Doha: Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities will mark World Down Syndrome Day, which falls on March 21st of each year, with the theme “Improve Our Support Systems.” World Down Syndrome Day aims to raise awareness of Down syndrome, support people with Down syndrome and their families, and work to integrate and empower them into society, providing them with comprehensive services and care.
According to Qatar News Agency, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi stated that the theme for World Down Syndrome Day calls for improving support systems for people with Down syndrome, as they need support to live and integrate into society like everyone else. Families also require support, as they often aid their members with Down syndrome.
To commemorate World Down Syndrome Day, the Shafallah Center organized an entertainment festival at Katara Cultural Village Foundation. The event aims to raise awareness about Down syndrome and enhance community understanding of the capabilities and valuable contributions of these individuals in various fields. The campaign is held under the theme “love syndrome – firm and continuous support.” The Executive Director highlighted that the center’s vocational training department provides education, training, vocational rehabilitation, life skills, independence, educational experiences, and community integration activities for people with Down syndrome. This is achieved through vocational training workshops for Shafallah members aged 16-21, where the capabilities, needs, and desires of members in various fields are periodically evaluated by a multidisciplinary team.
Al Suwaidi emphasized that the State of Qatar is committed to caring for all categories of people with disabilities and strives to overcome obstacles and challenges they face by issuing legislation and launching initiatives focused on educating, rehabilitating, and training people with disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome. She also stressed the importance of integrating and empowering them into society and providing them with comprehensive services and care.