0 - 5 years
Christine Dessa oversees this group. Christine has 2 daughters, Alina who is 5 1/2 years has Down Syndrome.
The support for this age group is particularly vital ensuring new
parents get the information and support they need in the early
weeks. Thereafter we offer them a helpline to many resources, and
the chance to meet other families in the same situation.
Every Sunday morning, parents can meet at
Favourite Things - Mother & Child Play Centre (at the Marina Mall, Dubai) From 10.00am - 12 noon.
A sign language course based on BSL (British
Sign language) is run 4 times a year.
Early Intervention available at Rashid
Paediatric Therapy Centre.
6 - 11 years
Rebecca Corley, one of the group's founder members, oversees this
group as well as spearheading the awareness talks in schools. She
also offers parents advice regarding schooling for their children in
this age group. Rebecca has 3 children; Georgina who is 11 has Down
Syndrome.
Another idea we are hoping to put into practice is approaching
Clubs, Hotels, Sports coaches and chefs etc to ask if they can offer
our children the opportunity of learning new skills. Any feedback
will be gratefully received.
12 - adult
Sally Pearson is involved with the teens and
adults. Sally initiated the groups "Teen Scheme" in Sept 05, with
the idea of socialising our teens with mainstream teens from various
schools in Dubai.
We are hoping to do a similar programme with our young adults and
the University students and would welcome any suggestions and help
towards this goal.
Sally has 2 boys, Robin who is 18 has Down Syndrome.
We endeavour to promote independence and equal opportunities for our
youngsters with disabilities in preparation for a better quality of
life within adulthood. Creating a link between mainstream teens and
special teens, our Teen Scheme can play a significant role in
altering the minds and opinions of our future adults, paving the way
for a more tolerant, accepting society in the future.
One of our most important goals is that a vocational programme be
put in place for the older members of this group, establishing a
connection with local firms with a view to possible employment
within the workplace. We plan to devise a suitable strategy that
will be both advantageous and productive for all parties.
