iEducation

Maharat Learning Center launches the “All for Autism” forum, in collaboration with Dubai Health Authority and the Emirates Autism Society, inaugurating Autism Awareness Month on Thursday, April 1st, 2021
Maharat Learning Center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, launched the All for Autism Forum, in cooperation with the Dubai Health Authority and the Emirates Autism Association, coinciding with the month of April, which is the month approved by the United Nation to raise awareness for Autism. And with an increase in the incidence of 1 from 125 children in 2010 to 1 of 59 in 2020, there is an increasing need for awareness and support for families of individuals on the Autism spectrum.
12 doctors and specialists in all fields will meet virtually that are concerned with the issues and needs of people with autism participated in the virtual forum, from the Dubai Health Authority, Zayed Higher Organization, Al Ain Autism Center, Community Development Authority, the UAE Special Olympics and Maharat Learning Center.
The forum covers various topics from diagnosis, the rights of people of determination, the role of Advocacy, Early Intervention, Applied Behavioral Analysis, the challenges of adolescence, the role of music and sport in developing Self-confidence and various skills. The forum is part of a new awareness campaign aimed at supporting people of determination with autism and their families and raising awareness of the importance of qualifying them to reach universities and bridging the gap to enable them academically, socially and help them innovate and integrate them into the labor market.
The All 4 Autism Campaign includes holding seminars, forum, panel discussions, workshops for families, All 4 Autism carnival, weekly competitions, , video messages by celebrities, parents and specialists to spread awareness of the needs and challenges facing people with autism.
Dr. Hibah Shata, Founder and Executive Director of Maharat Learning Center, expressed her thanks and gratitude to all institutions that contributed to supporting the forum, and said, “It is our responsibility to advocate for people with autism and support their access to education and independent living. This requires community awareness towards their rights to be part of the society, the collaboration of efforts between health, educational and social entities, and supporting their journey in education and labor market to empower them and be effective members in the society.
Our experience in integrating people with autism has been successful over the past 13 years, this was achieved through supporting students with individual programs, supporting the teachers with the educational plan, curriculum modifications, training and professional development.
The All for Autism campaign is an initiative to spread awareness, motivate and advocate for people with autism to be an “effective” part of our society.
Maharat Learning Center offers individualized programs using applied behavioral analysis principles to support students to reach and succeed in schools, universities and independent living. We also provides services related to clinical psychological assessment, Speech and language development, and occupational therapy. This is in addition to behavioral therapy by experienced team of behavioral therapists accredited by the Dubai Health Authority and the Community Development Authority.
Many programs have been developed to develop and support parents of people of determination, especially those with autism disorders, such as “My mother is my therapist” and “Sinbad program for remote supervision.”
Maharat Learning Center also launched a digital platform “i-education”, which includes all applications and videos of interest to the therapist, teacher and families, Tele-Health program to provide treatment and consultation services remotely.
In fulfillment of Dubai’s vision of forming an inclusive society, the center has proposed a transition to university program. In which university professors offer a qualifying course to support their graduates in obtaining study places in universities.
It is worth noting that Maharat Learning Center has won many awards, including the Cartier Award for Women’s Initiatives for the Middle East and North Africa region. This is due to its social contribution of a global dimension, which is in line with the goals of the United Nations, which was launched in 2016.