Abu Dhabi: The Sedra foundation has stepped in to help the desperate families of teenaged determined ones (teenagers with special needs) whose centre closed down in Abu Dhabi last month.
Sedra, which means Services for Educational Development, Research and Awareness for inclusion of persons with disabilities, invited families and students from the Special Care Centre, which closed down in June due to financial difficulties, to attend an event about how they can work towards making their children more independent, in the absence of professional care.
The event, which was attended by around 10 families, was targeting students in the 12-18 age group, who are struggling to find a placement in other centres in Abu Dhabi.
“It is very difficult for the families to find a spot in another centre because there are limited seats… and there are not a lot of other opportunities available for these teenagers and young adults,” said Renate Baur-Richter, programme manager, Sedra.
“The purpose of the meeting was to establish a family support group and to empower parents. To give them [parents] the idea that they are the biggest resource for their children,” Baur-Richter added.
During the session parents were provided with advice on how to coach their children. They were also introduced to a family support group.
Family and Community Empowerment Services UAE (Faces UAE), which was launched at the event, will provide families with information about how to work on their children’s life skills without having to rely on schools.
The support group also has a Whatsapp group that will act as a platform for sharing information, such as web links to free speech therapies, short exercises as well as sites that teach life skills which can easily be integrated into daily routines.
“A lot of families think that only professionals can help their children. Through this interactive session we are showing parents that the resources lye with them and their families, they just have to tap into it,” said Baur-Richter.
Sedra has organised the next meeting for the families in September.
Baur-Richter confirmed that Sedra is also trying to assist families find placements in other centres in Abu Dhabi.
The Special Care Centre, established in 1989, was one of the capital’s oldest centres dedicated to individuals with specials needs. It had around 50 students aged between three and 24 years attending sessions in its villa-based premises in Al Dhafra neighbourhood in the capital city.
The centre was the second facility to close in June. Gulf Autism Centre, which had around 45 students, also closed its doors in the same month after over 10 years of operation.
