Dubai Festival of Joy for Children with ASD and Down Syndrome
Author: Nadd Alshiba
Published: 28 Mar 2022 - Updated: 7 Apr 2022
Contents: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Related Publications
Synopsis: The event was organised to mark the UAE's observing of the International Autism Day and Down Syndrome Day that falls on March 21 and April 2 every year, respectively.
Introduction
A group of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that impairs the ability to communicate and interact, and Down Syndrome, a genetic chromosome disorder causing developmental and intellectual delays, had a whale of a time at a 'Walk for Awareness' supported by Dubai Municipality organised in Al Safa Park in Dubai.
Main Content
The event was organised to mark the UAE's observing of the International Autism Day and Down Syndrome Day that falls on March 21 and April 2 every year, respectively.
The UAE is a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and an inspirational frontrunner for the PwDs' welfare. Disability awareness campaigns highlight what daily life is like for people with disabilities. By educating people on their challenges, positive changes are ensured to bring about meaningful changes in society.
Through the event, several children were able to showcase their intellectual and artistic abilities. The children, with their beautiful capabilities, participated in the special programme that included the Walk for Awareness initiative. They toured one of Dubai's biggest parks during their day out and expressed a message of gratitude and appreciation to the UAE government that takes care of them and empowers the community in various walks of life recognizing their capabilities and competencies in multiple fields.
The children welcomed Mohammed Ahli of Dubai Municipality which had supported the initiative for providing the best services to People of Determination. More than 300 children and their families participated in the Walk for Awareness initiative organized by AccessAbilities Expo and Purple Vogue Events.
Experts provided information about Autism and Down Syndrome to raise awareness and shed light on the capabilities of the children and their ability to contribute to building the community. The programme included recreational activities including a magic show, face painting, live music and singing, which brought a smile to the faces of hundreds of attendees.
Ghassan Amhaz, General-Coordinator of AccessAbilities Expo, said:
"I express my deep appreciation for the support of Dubai Municipality to this initiative, which is part of our policy and goals to enhance awareness and dispel misconceptions about the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Down Syndrome and support the community to enhance their role in the society."
Rosy Ahmed, CEO of Purple Vogue Events, said:
"We are happy that we brought a smile on the faces of children and made their day. We emphasized the importance of parents and society as a whole to enhance the confidence of these children to become active members of society."
In addition to Dubai Municipality, other supporters and partners included Aster DM Healthcare, Arasca Medical Equipment Trading, Urban Playground, Tender Hearts Arena, StepUp Academy, SEDRA and DJ Buddha.
Purple Vogue Events and Nadd Al Shiba PR organised the programme and Dubai Municipality supported the not-for-profit event.
Attribution/Source(s): This quality-reviewed publication was selected for publishing by the editors of Disabled World (DW) due to its relevance to the disability community. Originally authored by Nadd Alshiba and published on 28 Mar 2022, this content may have been edited for style, clarity, or brevity.