A press statement by Ms. Mariam Saif Al-Suwaidi, Executive Director of Shafallah Center, on the occasion of World Down Syndrome Day.

Mariam Al-Suwaidi:

• Shafallah Center is committed to empowering and integrating individuals with Down syndrome, ensuring that none of them are left behind.

• We must end the stereotypes surrounding individuals with Down syndrome.

• Shafallah Center adopts the latest academic vocational curriculum called F.A.C.E.S. They also implement the VB-MAPP curriculum, which focuses on verbal behavior.

• Shafallah Center offers specialized training programs to help individuals with Down syndrome develop their professional and vocational skills. These programs aim to prepare them for a smooth transition and integration into work environments.

Shafallah Center for people with Disabilities celebrates World Down Syndrome Day, which is on March 21st every year. This year the center celebrated with the theme “Ending Stereotypes”. The aim of World Down Syndrome Day is to raise awareness about Down syndrome, its causes and to promote understanding of the roles individuals with Down syndrome play in our communities. It also encourages them to pursue education and employment opportunities.

On a different note, Ms. Mariam Al-Suwaidi, the Executive Director of Shafallah Center for people with Disabilities, mentioned that the theme of celebrating World Down Syndrome Day is all about “Ending Stereotypes”. Stereotypes can be harmful to individuals with Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. They can prevent them from being treated equally and with respect, leading to treating them like children, belittling them, excluding them or sometimes offending or mistreating them. 

Ms. Mariam Al-Suwaidi pointed out that stereotype is a specific idea that people have about the appearance or nature of someone or something. Stereotypes can be positive, negative or neutral, but they are often inaccurate or simply wrong! Stereotypes are often based on limited information or personal experiences, and they can be reinforced through media representation or cultural messages. Once a stereotype is formed, it can be difficult to change.

On this global occasion, Ms. Mariam Saif Al-Suwaidi, the Executive Director of Shafallah Center, emphasized that the center reaffirms its belief in the right of individuals with disabilities to be actively integrated into society. They emphasize the importance of providing special education services, training, and rehabilitation, as well as advocating for their rights in all aspects of life. The center aims to provide full support to families, guiding and counseling them, and raising awareness in the community about disabilities and related issues to promote social inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

The Executive director of Shafallah Center stated that the center utilizes the latest scientific programs and studied methods. The center relies on highly experienced staff who provide various educational, psychological, family counseling, rehabilitation, training, therapeutic, and other services all in one place. This saves time, effort, and achieves the desired results.

On a different note, Ms. Mariam Al-Suwaidi mentioned that what sets apart disability issues in Qatar is the genuine interest and actual support from the respected leadership of his highness shekh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar. The country is dedicated to caring for all types of disabilities and is committed to overcoming obstacles and challenges by implementing legislation and introducing initiatives. They prioritize the rehabilitation and training of individuals with disabilities, especially those with Down Syndrome, with the goal of integrating and empowering them within society. The state provides comprehensive services and holistic care to ensure that no one is left behind in driving development and achieving Qatar’s Vision 2030 and strategic developmental plans. The Shafallah Center has become an exemplary model internationally for its dedication to the care and support of individuals with disabilities across all levels and domains.

Al-Suwaidi added that Shafallah Center adopts the latest strategies, which are based on scientific principles that have proven successful in educating individuals with disabilities. One of the key strategies is the application of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) as a scientific foundation for the rehabilitation and training of individuals with disabilities within Shafallah Center. This approach focuses on understanding behavior, analyzing its function, and then increasing it if desired and reducing it if not desired. She said we would like to point out that learning the skills that the student gains is a form of behavior. From the field of applied behavior analysis emerged what is known as verbal behavior, which considers language, communication skills, and social interaction as a type of acquired behavior that can be developed and enhanced using the same methods used with other behaviors. The Shafallah Center believes in the importance of this science and has adopted the VB-MAPP approach, which primarily focuses on verbal behavior to develop language and associated skills. This approach is considered one of the leading methodologies that specialists in the field rely on. It focuses on assessing and building individualized plans while using effective methods from the science of applied behavior analysis. It includes techniques such as discrete trial teaching, task analysis, shaping, and aiding.

Al-Suwaidi mentioned that despite the success of applied behavior analysis in educating individuals with disabilities, Shafallah center believes that there’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. They adopt a strategy of learning through multiple senses (VAKT), play-based learning, sensory and social storytelling, as well as movement, acting and theater.

Al-Suwaidi confirmed that Shafallah center went even further by adopting technology as a means of communication for those who have difficulty communicating or understanding the spoken or written language. They also used the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) as a means of communication for individuals who do not develop their language. This falls under the principles of enhanced and alternative communication.

On a different note, the executive director mentioned that the center has implemented career paths to employ individuals with Down syndrome through vocational training management. These programs target both males and females and provide education, training, rehabilitation services, life skills, teaching them to be independent, education experiences, and community integration activities for individuals with Down Syndrome. The vocational training workshops are available for individuals aged 16-21, where their abilities, needs and preferences are assessed regularly by a multidisciplinary team.

She mentioned that there are several training workshops in the Rehabilitation and vocational Training Department, including workshops for arts and crafts, agriculture, office work, printing, life skills, and cardboard.

She also mentioned that there are several career paths in the Employment Unit, such as reception, storage, library, and office work. These paths provide a mini work environment that closely resembles real work settings, where individuals with Down syndrome are trained on job tasks based on available positions in the country that align with their abilities.

On another note, Ms. Mariam Saif Al-Suwaidi, the Executive Director of Shafallah center for People with Disabilities, mentioned that the center has produced an awareness video about Down Syndrome that will be broadcasted on TV channels and social media platforms. They have also partnered with local banks to display community awareness message about Down syndrome on ATM screens. Additionally, they will be sharing community awareness messages about Down syndrome on social media platforms. Furthermore, there will be an awareness booth about Down syndrome at the Katara Cultural Village Foundation for the public to learn more. There will also be Garangao celebration at Katara and collaboration with Qatar TV to record and broadcast television segments.

Finally, Ms. Mariam Said Al-Suwaidi thanked the Katara Cultural Village Foundation for their efforts and collaboration with Shafallah center in organizing various local and international events.