The first ever conference aiming to discuss ways in how to improve educational opportunities and services for people with Down syndrome is set to kick off next month in Bahrain.
The three-day event, ‘Curricula for Education and Training of Persons with Disabilities: Effective Strategies and Practices’, organised by the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society, will take place from November 5 to 7, at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain.
It’s being held under Supreme Council for Youth and Sport first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Mr Alali with a child
It will bring together around 25 local and regional experts to discuss the latest developments in the field, the need for educational and training services and raising more awareness to combat negative stigmas.
“The event aims to highlight the challenges that people with Down syndrome face and how we as professionals can work to break this,” Bahrain Down Syndrome Society executive manager Ahmed Alali told the GDN.
“Professionals will address a range of issues including new academic studies and improving the skills of teachers and specialists by sharing experiences and expertise.”
Other topics that will be discussed include the use of assisted technologies, artificial intelligence, smart applications and tools to improve education and training as well as highlighting the best practices and innovations in the field.
The Bahrain Down Syndrome Society has prepared a comprehensive curriculum as a reference point in the preparation of educational programmes for students.
“The curriculum consists of many areas that aim to enhance students’ growth,” he said, adding that the curriculum came as a result of the lack of specialised curriculum in the region.
“By providing a specialised curriculum, it offers a supportive environment, meaning that the chances of success and independence for the student is increased, contributing to building a more inclusive and accepting society.”
The event also aims to encourage professionals to exchange expertise and experience and create a space for joint work which could be proposed through monthly or annual meetings.
“There needs to be more awareness and opportunities to discuss such important topics,” Mr Alali said. “We also need to work to change the negative stereotype and stigma of people with disabilities, and we need more support from this. At the society, we need more support with an official disability diagnosis team, as well as providing integrated rehabilitation services.”
The conference will also provide the opportunity to meet parents and families of people with Down syndrome with specialists in the field to obtain free counselling services for their loved ones.
The GDN previously reported that at least 26 people with determination are already working in banks, cold stores, hospitals, restaurants and more, with public and private companies being urged to integrate youngsters with the genetic disorder into their workforce.
Down Syndrome is a genetic condition that happens when a child is born with an extra chromosome, occurring in about one in 1,000 babies born worldwide.
The extra chromosome affects the way the child’s brain and body develop, leading to developmental delays, intellectual disability and an increased risk for certain medical issues.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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