Doha: The Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, affiliated with the Qatar Social Work Foundation, has initiated its summer program, which will run from Sunday to Wednesday until July 24, at the Center's facilities in Lusail and Al Hilal. The program is specially designed for members of the Center aged between 3 and 21 years old who have intellectual disabilities and autism, with a total of 147 participants enrolled.
According to Qatar News Agency, Executive Director Maryam Saif Al Suwaidi emphasized that the summer program aims to raise community awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities. It seeks to enhance their participation in extracurricular activities while channeling their energy into recreational and educational pursuits tailored to their unique abilities and needs.
Al Suwaidi detailed that the program fosters family partnerships by involving parents and activating community partnerships through collaboration with various governmental and private entities. These collaborations are designed to deliver activities that align with the Center's goals and cater to the needs of its members.
She further added that the program contributes to developing daily life skills for persons with disabilities, thereby enhancing their independence. Activities in the program include a diverse range of sports such as swimming, horseback riding, and bowling; artistic activities like music, painting, crafts, and cooking; cultural events including theater and reading; as well as vocational, environmental activities, and educational military-themed events.
Al Suwaidi pointed out that a significant outcome of this year's summer program is the strengthening of families' trust in the Shafallah Center and furthering the integration of persons with disabilities into society. The Executive Director affirmed that the program reflects the Center's philosophy and commitment to providing integrated and comprehensive services that support both the physical and mental development of its members, further developing their capabilities.