Maryam Al-Suwaidi:

- Shafallah Center has dedicated its efforts to empowering and integrating individuals with Down syndrome to ensure that no one is left behind. 

- Individuals with Down syndrome should enjoy the freedom to make their own choices. 

- Shafallah launched a festival to raise awareness about Down syndrome, aiming to enhance public understanding of their abilities and valuable contributions across various fields. 

- The center has adopted the latest functional academic curricula, including F.A.C.E.S. and the VB-MAPP program, which is based on verbal behavior. 

- Training pathways in professional and occupational skills have been developed for individuals with Down syndrome, paving the way for their transition and integration into workplace environments.

The world annually observes World Down Syndrome Day on March 21, a date officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011. The day aims to raise awareness about Down syndrome and to support individuals with the condition along with their families. 

Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person is born with an extra chromosome, affecting the course of their development. Some individuals with Down syndrome may experience health challenges, such as congenital heart defects; however, most of these conditions are manageable and can be overcome with proper care.

Individuals with Down syndrome are fully capable of pursuing education, engaging in employment, and integrating into society in a very natural way—especially when provided with early intervention and ongoing training tailored to their abilities and potential.

World Down Syndrome Day aims to raise awareness about the condition itself—how it occurs—and to highlight the important role individuals with Down syndrome play in their communities. It also seeks to encourage them to continue their education or enter the workforce.

This year’s theme is titled: “Enhancing Support Systems”, 

emphasizing the need for individuals with Down syndrome to receive the support necessary to live and integrate into society, just like anyone else.

Families also require support, as they are often the primary source of care and advocacy for their loved ones with Down syndrome.

What Needs Improvement?

Many individuals with Down syndrome around the world do not receive the support they need. 

In numerous countries, support systems either do not exist or fail to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and their families—and in some cases, these systems do not respect their basic human rights.

Governments must ensure the existence of comprehensive support systems to enable the full inclusion of persons with disabilities into society.

On this occasion, Mrs. Maryam Saif Al-Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, stated that in line with the Center’s strong belief in the rights of persons with disabilities, Shafallah places great importance on empowering and fully integrating individuals with Down syndrome into all aspects of community life.

She emphasized that the center is committed to showcasing their abilities and talents, and to presenting successful role models to society. 

Mrs. Al-Suwaidi also affirmed that Shafallah aims to achieve a range of educational and rehabilitative goals, highlighting that the center provides early intervention programs, which play a crucial role in enabling educational inclusion from a young age.

In this context, Al-Suwaidi stated that the Shafallah Center’s work with individuals with Down syndrome is extensive and spans multiple areas—most notably, the social aspect, which is crucial for shaping positive societal attitudes toward them.

This is achieved through awareness campaigns, annual celebrations of World Down Syndrome Day, the publication of informative booklets, and the organization of activities aimed at enhancing their abilities. The Center also places a strong emphasis on delivering purposeful awareness workshops for all segments of society.

Comprehensive Educational Services and Scientifically Proven, Reliable Programs

Mrs. Maryam Al-Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center, affirmed that the center provides comprehensive educational services designed to maximize the potential of individuals with Down syndrome. These services are delivered in collaboration with the families of enrolled individuals, who are considered partners in the service process, with the aim of enhancing adaptive skills across various domains—communication, social interaction, independence, motor abilities, behavior, mobility, health, and safety.

This is accomplished through a range of scientifically validated and trusted programs and educational curricula, proven effective in teaching and rehabilitating individuals with disabilities.

These services are delivered through the center’s specialized units and departments, including:

- Early Childhood Department: 

  This department provides services to children from birth to age 6 with various disabilities and at different levels of severity.

- Department of Mild to Moderate Intellectual Disabilities: 

  Serving children aged 6 to 16 who have been diagnosed—according to the center’s standardized diagnostic tools with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.

- Department of Severe Intellectual Disabilities: Serving individuals from ages 6 to 21 who have been diagnosed with severe intellectual disabilities, based on the center’s diagnostic standards.

- Autism Department: 

  This department offers services to children aged 6 to 16 who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, in accordance with the center’s diagnostic criteria.

- Sports Activities Unit: 

 Provides services across all center divisions, aiming to enhance physical and psychological capabilities.

- Art Activities Unit: 

Offers music and art programs to all participants at the center, with the goal of stimulating the senses, discovering talents, and nurturing their development.

Al-Suwaidi further noted that the Shafallah Center has adopted the latest evidence-based strategies that have proven successful in educating individuals with disabilities. Foremost among these is the implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as the scientific foundation upon which the center’s training and rehabilitation programs are built.

ABA is based on understanding behavior, analyzing its function, and then either increasing desirable behaviors through systematic reinforcement or reducing undesirable behaviors by withholding reinforcement. It's important to note that the skills acquired by individuals are considered a form of learned behavior.

From the science of ABA, the concept of verbal behavior emerged—viewing language, communication, and social interaction as learned behaviors that can be developed and enhanced using the same principles applied to other types of behavior.

Driven by a strong belief in the importance of this field, the Shafallah Center has adopted the VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program), a curriculum rooted in verbal behavior. Its primary aim is to foster language development and associated skills. This program stands as one of the core curricula used by specialists at the center to evaluate individuals and design personalized intervention plans.

These plans are implemented using scientifically validated ABA techniques, including discrete trial training, task analysis, shaping, and systematic prompting, ensuring effective instruction and skill acquisition for individuals with disabilities.

Al-Suwaidi highlighted that, despite the great success of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in educating individuals with disabilities, Shafallah Center believes that no single strategy fits all. The center recognizes that individualized learning and rehabilitation are fundamental principles.

She explained that the center has also adopted multi-sensory learning strategies (VAKT), as well as learning through play, sensory and social storytelling, in addition to movement-based stories, role-playing, and theatrical activities.

Al-Suwaidi further emphasized that Shafallah Center has gone even further by integrating technology as a means of communication, especially for those who struggle to produce or comprehend spoken or written language. One of the key tools adopted is the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), which enables communication for individuals who do not develop verbal language. This approach aligns with the principles of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC).

Therapeutic Services Provided

The Executive Director of the Shafallah Center added that the center offers a wide range of therapeutic services for individuals with Down syndrome, utilizing the latest advanced equipment and technologies in the delivery of these services, including:

1. Speech and Language Therapy 

Shafallah Center provides speech and language therapy sessions delivered by certified specialists using the latest advanced technologies. These tools play a crucial role in developing communication skills for individuals with Down syndrome, enabling them to express their emotions, needs, and to engage in effective interaction with others.

Assistive technology, made available at Shafallah, plays a key role in supporting this process by offering structured training on various communication techniques.

2. Occupational Therapy 

Shafallah Center is committed to providing therapeutic and training strategies aimed at developing motor, cognitive, independent living, and sensory skills, with the goal of achieving the highest possible level of functional independence for individuals with Down syndrome across various domains.

The center offers individual therapy sessions to assess everyone’s strengths and needs, followed by the development of a personalized treatment plan in coordination with the family. This plan includes achievable and practical goals within a clearly defined timeline and prioritizes therapeutic objectives.

These services focus on a variety of skill areas, including:

-  Fine motor skills, such as grasping and releasing various objects, in-hand manipulation, and the use of tools like pencils and scissors, as well as reaching for nearby objects. 

- Cognitive skills, including various types of visual perception. 

- The integration of motor and cognitive abilities to support self-care and independent participation in daily routines.

In addition, the center addresses feeding-related issues, providing training for caregivers and staff on appropriate and effective feeding techniques.

Shafallah has also activated a Multi-Sensory Stimulation Room, offering individual or group sessions designed to enhance sensory and perceptual skills while also promoting relaxation.

3. Physical Therapy 

Physical therapy is a medical profession that focuses on human body movement, functional mobility, and enhancing motor abilities to their fullest potential. At Shafallah Center, physical therapists employ a range of techniques and methods designed to address motor challenges experienced by individuals with Down syndrome.

The role of the physical therapist begins with a comprehensive assessment of the individual’s condition, including evaluation of muscle tone, movement patterns, postural and balance responses, and physical abilities. Based on this assessment, therapists work to improve overall body alignment, gross motor skills, and joint mobility, while maintaining and restoring movement through tailored exercises and therapeutic approaches.

Al-Suwaidi noted that Shafallah Center provides a variety of physical therapy services and methods specifically tailored to the needs of individuals with Down syndrome, including:

1 - Individual Manual Therapy Sessions 

These sessions apply specialized therapeutic approaches such as Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT), the Bobath Concept, and the Problem-Solving Approach. These methods are designed to improve motor functions, promote neuromuscular control, and support the overall physical development of individuals with Down syndrome through hands-on, individualized treatment.

2 - Aquatic Therapy Program 

  This program utilizes the physical properties of water to enable individuals to perform therapeutic exercises in a low-impact environment.

3 - Equine-Assisted Therapy 

  This form of therapy relies primarily on the synchronization between the horse’s movement and the participant’s body. The rhythmic motion helps in developing core balance, enhancing mobility, and strengthening major muscle groups. Additionally, it contributes to improved joint flexibility and reduced spasticity leading to muscle relaxation and overall physical well-being.

4 - Shockwave Therapy 

This treatment involves the use of acoustic waves targeted at muscle tissues, connective tissues, and soft tissues. It provides both direct effects on muscles and ligaments, and indirect effects on internal organs. Shockwave therapy is used to Relieve pain, restore mobility, treat tendon and ligament inflammation, Reduce muscle spasms.

Life Skills Programs and Family Support 

The Executive Director of the Shafallah Center stated that the center offers a range of educational programs for individuals with Down syndrome, focusing on vocational training, practical skill development, and performance-based abilities. In addition to these, the center provides a variety of support services for families, including family counseling, awareness publications, and workshops on how to interact with individuals with Down syndrome, offered through dedicated family support groups.

She added that the Shafallah Center relies on cutting-edge scientific programs and well-researched methodologies, while also recruiting highly experienced professionals who provide a wide spectrum of services—including educational, psychological, family counseling, therapeutic, and rehabilitation services —all under one roof. This integrated approach helps families save time and effort, while achieving optimal developmental outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome.

Assistive Technology 

Maryam Al-Suwaidi emphasized that the Shafallah Center is committed to ongoing coordination with various entities across the country to support the center by providing specialized technological devices and software for individuals with Down syndrome. These assistive technologies can be used either individually or in group settings and are designed to empower the beneficiaries and facilitate their learning process in a way that aligns with their unique abilities.

Vocational Pathways and Employment for Individuals with Down Syndrome

The Executive Director of the Shafallah Center stated that the Vocational Training Department at the center targets both male and female students, offering them education, vocational training, life skills development, independent living preparation, as well as community integration activities. These services are tailored for individuals with Down syndrome through vocational training workshops designed for beneficiaries aged 16 to 21 years.

She explained that participants undergo regular assessments of their abilities, needs, and preferences across different fields, conducted by a multidisciplinary team. 

The center provides a range of vocational workshops within the Vocational Training and Rehabilitation Department, including: Arts and Crafts Workshop, Agriculture Workshop, Office Skills Workshop, Printing Workshop, Life Skills Workshop, Cardboard and Packaging Workshop

Training Pathways and Employment in the Vocational Unit 

Al-Suwaidi pointed out that there are several training pathways within the Employment Unit, including: Reception, Warehouse, Library, and Office Work. These pathways serve as miniature work environments that closely simulate real-world job settings, where individuals with Down syndrome are trained on job tasks based on the available positions in the country that align with their abilities.

On World Down Syndrome Day, the Shafallah Center organized a recreational festival at the Qatar Cultural Village Foundation ("Katara"), held from March 15-16. The campaign aims to raise awareness about Down syndrome and enhance public understanding of the abilities and valuable contributions of individuals with Down syndrome across various fields. The campaign is held under the slogan "Syndrome of Love - Strong and Continuous Support" and includes a comprehensive awareness campaign through social media platforms, highlighting success stories and providing information about the syndrome. 

Additionally, workshops will be organized in schools to increase awareness among students and educational institutions. Interactive competitions and prizes will also be part of the campaign, which seeks to showcase the abilities and potential of individuals with Down syndrome in the workforce and their contributions. The campaign will emphasize their right to employment, thus reinforcing their role as active participants in society.

In her closing statement, Mrs. Maryam Saif Al-Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center, highlighted that what distinguishes disability issues in the State of Qatar is the genuine attention from the country's wise leadership, represented by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, may Allah protect him. She emphasized that the country is committed to caring for all categories of disabilities and strives to overcome all obstacles and challenges faced by people with disabilities through legislations and initiatives focused on the education, rehabilitation, and training of individuals with disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome. 

The State also works on integrating and empowering them within society and providing comprehensive services and care so that they can fulfill their expected role in driving development and achieving Qatar’s Vision 2030 and the country's strategic development plans.

Mrs. Al-Suwaidi concluded by stating that Shafallah Center has become an internationally recognized model in the field of disability care and attention across all levels and domains, ensuring that no one is left behind.