The 18th General Assembly Meeting of the Emirates Down Syndrome Association

Emirates Down Syndrome Association held its 18th General Assembly meeting virtually, with the participation of Mr. Reda Hijazi, representative of the Ministry of Community Development, and Mr. Musaed Al Balushi, representative of the Community Development Authority, as well as the association’s board members and General Assembly members. During the meeting, the administrative and financial reports, estimated budget, and the 2024 work plan were all approved.

Dr. Manal Jaroor, EDSA Chairperson, presented a detailed report on the Board’s activities during 2023. The report highlighted efforts to achieve the strategic goals of the association, which included providing rehabilitation and inclusion services for people with Down syndrome. These services encompassed family counseling, empowerment, allied services, sensory integration, educational rehabilitation classes, vocational preparation classes, psychological and behavioral therapy, special education sessions, as well as self-advocacy programs, vocational rehabilitation, sustainable projects, and sports and arts activities.

Regarding family support, many specialized training courses and workshops were organized. In terms of service development, efforts were made to improve the website, sign several memorandums of understanding with various organizations, and conduct training sessions and workshops for administrators, technicians, and board members.

It is worth mentioning that every year the association provides a variety of services to beneficiaries in the fields of professional rehabilitation and empowerment. The association has established several sustainable projects such as the photography club and a sewing workshop equipped with the latest tools and equipment, providing specialized vocational training, in addition to the current project, the Emirates Down Syndrome Hospitality Academy (“Creative Kitchen”), which has been licensed by the Dubai Municipality, and the necessary procedures have been taken to register the trademark with the Ministry of Economy to begin production and marketing. Students also received academic and practical courses at the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management – Jumeirah, the first academic program for individuals with Down syndrome in the country.

In the field of community awareness, the association celebrated World Down Syndrome Day and lit up the Burj Khalifa, as well as at the association’s headquarters with the Early Intervention Center of the Ministry of Community Development. Numerous awareness lectures were also conducted on various topics across various organizations and schools. October, the global awareness month for Down syndrome, saw the launch of the campaign under the theme “Together to Unleash Hidden Abilities” for the sixth consecutive year. Practical training was also provided to a number of university students, in addition to participating in national events.

Many suggestions were also presented by members of the general assembly aimed at improving the work and offering the best for our children with Down syndrome.

At the end of the meeting, Mr. Reda Hijazi praised the efforts and achievements of the association, which continues to make progress year after year and raise the country’s name in international forums, wishing the association further success and prosperity.