US Ambassador H E Timmy T Davis; Executive Director of Special Schools and Special Educational Needs Services, QF, Mark Hughes; and Khalid Kassab, Public Relations Officer, Pre-University Education at Qatar Foundation during World Autism Awareness Day activities held yesterday.
Doha: Qatar being a leader in raising awareness about Autism Spectrum Disorder joined other countries yesterday to mark the World Autism Awareness Day with a call to make the world more inclusive for people with the condition.
Qatar joined the international community as hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world, lit up in blue in recognition of people living with autism.
The Ministry of Public Health, Qatar Foundation’s 2015 building, Qatar National Convention Centre, Museum of Islamic Art, streets and buildings at Msheireb Downtown Doha were among the iconic places lit in blue.
World Autism Awareness Day was first proposed by H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Qatar Foundation (QF) in the UN and was commemorated in 2008. In recognition of the observance, events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster support for individuals living with Autism.
Several activities were held in the country with an aim to make people understand and accept people with autism, foster worldwide support, and inspire the society.
Some 23 entities participated in Qatar Foundation (QF)’s World Autism Awareness Day activities and they included Renad Academy, Awsaj Academy, The Learning Center, and the Ability Friendly Program.
By creating equal opportunities for everyone in the society, Qatar Foundation and Qatar as country is creating an inclusive society, said US Ambassador to Qatar H E Timmy T Davis.
“H H Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, H E Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani and the Qatar Foundation are not only taking seriously society’s responsibility to this segment (children with autism) but they are also doing something about it.
“They are creating opportunities and support through the Renad Academy… and by creating satellite outlets they bring the resources to the students and helping Qatar Foundation schools all over the country to help identify the students’ needs and then provide for those needs. Such an unselfish thing to do,” said Ambassador Davis speaking on the sidelines of the World Autism Awareness Day activities organised by the Qatar Foundation.
“By using Renad Academy as an incubator for the services and opportunities Qatar Foundation is making sure schools around the country have it available, which means it doesn’t matter what segment of society you from, what socio-economic class, what background you come from, what part of this country you work in you have the same opportunity to succeed because of the work has been done,” said Ambassador Davis.
He also said that the work done by Qatar related to autism is giving optimistic thoughts that the country could create favourable environment for everyone.
Speaking about the US embassy’s commitment towards an inclusive society he said, “I’m focused on diversity, equity, inclusiveness, accessibility and disability rights. There are number of programmes that we are involved in.”
“We support in what Qatar is doing and support and obviously we are interested in supporting financially and with public diplomacy and public affairs for great causes ... I am always willing to follow smart people with good hearts like here at the Qatar Foundation,” he added.
Large number of community members took part in World Autism Awareness Day activities organised by Qatar Foundation that aimed to raise awareness and promote understanding of autism spectrum through a series of educational activities, workshops, and games.
The activities included screening of Siraj, the edutainment TV series that helps children learn the Arabic language in a fun and engaging way; a virtual reality station; a Majilis area; a workshop space, and an inflatable maze. Also multiple refreshment stations and an inflatable football games were offered for the public.
