The Dubai Early Childhood Development centre an initiative by the Community Development Authority (CDA) hosted a delegation from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) to explore areas of cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by children with disabilities.
His Excellency Mr Khaled Al Kamda, Director General, CDA; Dr Bushra Al Mulla, Director of DECDC; and Dr Hussein Al Masseih, a social care expert, welcomed the FIT delegation comprising A. J. Catanese, President of the University; T. Dwayne McCay, Provost and Executive Vice President; and Bino Companini, Assistant Vice President and Executive Director of the Alumni Association.
Mr Al Kamda said: "The visit of the delegation from Florida Institute of Technology highlights the global collaborations we foster to ensure the all-round development of all sections of our society. FIT's dedicated Scott Centre has proven expertise in providing high quality treatment and care to children with autism and related disabilities as well as in training for school counsellors. We look forward to leveraging their wealth of expertise in further enhancing the level of training provided by us to the teaching staff in several schools and nurseries in Dubai "
Dr Bushra Al Mulla provided an overview of the functioning of DECDC to the delegation, who also toured the premises. They attended a presentation by Dr Al Mulla detailing the mandate of DECDC, its focus on strengthening training programmes for community service providers; and the services offered by the centre.
Dr Al Mulla said: "DECDC adopts global best practices in ensuring that adequate, scientific and timely care is provided to children with disabilities. We are exploring opportunities for solid collaboration with FIT that will enhance our service standards and help achieve our mandate of providing the highest levels of care for children with disabilities and helping them to include effectively into the society."
Dr Al Mulla highlighted the achievements of the centre to the delegation, explaining that the centre has surpassed its target rate of admissions. The visitors were briefed on identifying the problems, aspects of disability assessment and screening procedures.
FIT also invited DECDC to attend the Annual Disability Conference to be held in Florida. DECDC will present a paper on the center at the conference and will explore opportunities for joint ventures with FIT.
The Scott Center focuses on Asperger's Syndrome and autism. With staff strength of 15, they have the capacity to treat 200 children in addition to hosting a range of outdoor therapy activities including a playground with unique playing gear for children with autism.
