The Disability Services Department at the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai recently organized a fun-filled day for children with disabilities at the Dubai Early Childhood Development Centre (DECDC), which will launch its services for the community in October. The initiative is part of CDA’s commitment to provide a healthy social environment for children and to include them in a wide spectrum of social activities.
Although invitation to the event was open only to 25 families who have been associated with DECDC during its pilot phase, the centre plans to accommodate over 150 children in the future.
CDA organized a variety of educational and entertainment activities for the children. The initiative also allowed the families to meet and exchange experiences. Dr Maryam Matar, Director General of the CDA, received the parents who expressed their admiration on the level of services provided by DECDE’s staff, the focus on involving the parents in the treatment programmes and the home visits service provided by the centre. Sheikh Maktoum Butti Al Maktoum, CEO – Social Care; Dr Hussein Al Maseeh, social care expert; Dr Bushra Al Mulla, Director of DECDE; experts and DECDE’s staff were present at the event.
“This event is part of one of CDA’s strategic goals - social inclusion – which aims at enhancing further integrating children with disabilities in the society and to grant them the opportunity to communicate and gain new skills. These events provide the opportunity to meet and communicate with parents, and to listen and take comments on the methods of treatment, programs and activities. It also familiarizes them with the services and other benefits provided by CDA,” said Dr Eman Gaad, Director of Disability Services, CDA.
The Dubai Early Childhood Development Centre has launched pilot services for children with disabilities, birth defects and newborns with high risk of growth delay until the age of six years. DECDE provides awareness and training courses for teachers and parents on the latest care programs, as well as educates parents and offers them clinical and psychological services.
The DECDE also provides treatment services, development of speech and communication services, behaviour modification, family counselling and other services provided by a multidisciplinary team.
