Hatta children screened for development delays
Screening important for early detection and proper management so children can be included in mainstream schools
Dubai: The Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA) screened children aged up to six in Hatta on Sunday to identify children at risk for developmental delays as part of its extensive development screening campaign in remote areas.
Using the Sanad RV, a mobile therapy unit much like a clinic on wheels, a team of professionals screened more than a hundred children. Professional training was given to specialists on early detection signs based on the third edition of the ‘age and stage guide’.
The campaign kicked off from the Al Basatin Nursery at the Women’s Association in Hatta.
During the event, the children’s families were taught about the different services CDA provides for people with disabilities and about the Sanad RV services.
“CDA created Sanad mobile units with the aim to reach children in their neighbourhoods, especially in the remote areas such as Hatta. Our objective is to help children with disabilities to develop their abilities in order to be included later in the mainstream schools,” Khalid Al Kamda, director-general of CDA, said.
“We are glad to be here in Hatta this week. This will help us meet the families of people with disabilities, understand their challenges and listen to their suggestions, which will help us develop our services to better fulfill their needs,” he added.
Al Kamda said CDA will conduct workshops and on-site training in collaboration with the schools and Hatta Hospital for more than 25 specialists during the week-long campaign.
CDA will also complete the development screening for the children in the nursery and for about 30 pupils of Khadija Bint Khuailed School.
Hatta Hospital, meanwhile, will receive families with children under the age of six on Wednesday for the development screening as well as vision and hearing check-ups.
Al Kamda said that the campaign will include education sessions about Sanad card for people with disabilities. People who qualify will be registered on the spot. The Thukher card for elderly will also be discussed and those above the age of 60 who don’t have the card yet will be registered.
CDA is collaborating in this campaign with different government bodies, including Dubai Educational Zone, Dubai Health Authority, Shaikha Maitha Bin Rashid Centre for Children with Special Needs and the Women’s Association, Hatta branch.
