The experience of UAE Down

Syndrome Association in the

empowerment of people with

Down Syndrome at the work

place: Employ to empower

Prof. Eman Gaad Co-founder of UAEDSA

Head of Educational Committee

UAEDSA: The History • Started with few families and

professionals in Dubai Ladies Club as DSSG (Down Syndrome Support Group)

• Announced as the 1st and formal NGO for people with DS in 2006

• Today we have 561 members families • Main committees are: educational,

medical, counseling, sport, financial and employment

• Considered as benchmarking NGO in the region

• Won regional awards • Multi million Dirhams projects

Challenges and issues related to their training, and preparedness to enter the work

• The ‘employability’ issue and the social Stigma

• The notion of adopting the right-based

approach when preparing people with Down Syndrome for work

Creating job opportunities in Dubai and the UAE.

Psychological, Behavioural and

Professional Improvements

Evaluation Goal

Overcome the psychological, behavioural and professional barriers between PWD and work environment to improve productivity and independence

Strategy

Individual Training Plan according to distinctive personal capacity

Challenges and issues related to their training, and preparedness to enter the work

1. Psychological

Valued and Respected

High

Self esteem

Self Confidence

Trusted Voice opinion

Remuneration and Professional

Development Empowerment

Job Incentive & Recreational Activities

Positive Attitude Friendly

Environment/

Reinforce positive inter personal social behaviour Provide remedial solutions to problem behaviour (aggression, withdrawal stubbornness, rejection) Improve self hygiene skills and general appearance Promoting the quick acceptance and adherence to job instructions Close communication with parents

Daily monitoring behavioural forms Personal sessions to reinforce positive behaviour Daily and monthly incentives

Self discipline Participation and cooperation among the group Friendly and supportive environment Improved family relations

2. Behavioural

Vocational skills Encourage Academic occupational skills (IT, Admin, Photography) Verbal and cognitive skills Communication skills Work ethics and self efficacy Occupational hazards and safety procedures

3. Professional

Daily assembly Attendance records Daily monitoring records (production and behaviour) Individual learning sessions

Social Impact Evaluation • Internal

– Positive attitude towards diversity

– Positive effect on general Moral

– Reduced discrimination and stigmatization

– Loyal employees

– Friendly supportive work environment

• External – Improve company profile

– Public recognition and commendation by authority

– Improve Public awareness of disability (Lets plant the UAE together)

Requirements • Management & Supervision by a qualified team

– Professional trainer (vocational/ Academic / Sport Skills)

– Counsellor (Behavioural and Psychological aspects)

• Colleagues Attitudes (Disability Awareness)

• Environment Adjustment – Transportation

– Sports Facilities

– Flexible working hours

– Meals (Breakfast)

– Summer vacation

– Health and safety training

– Accessible Information

– Physical Adjustments (ramps, toilet)

The early start to achieve empowerment

• Inclusion of learners with special

needs and disabilities in schools:

– Offer advice to government agencies and MOE

– Help parents (the UAEDSA Annual Forum)

– Training teachers on inclusion related matters

– Publishing in the area of Inclusion

– The Teacher Assistant Project

Employment doesn’t start at the work place!

Researching the Girl Power!!

Impact on the Community

Education is the key….

PHASE Award: distinguished research 2012

When the energy meets the particles or molecules in the medium, they cause the molecules to move, or

vibrate.

The wave moves through the medium but the particles stay in

place. The particles bounce around or move up and then down

and return to the same place they were before they started

vibrating.

Only energy moves…not the particles or

matter!

When you see the “wave” at a football game; the wave moves around the stadium; but the people stay in their

seats!

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