QF expands autism care as awareness day is marked

Qatar Foundation (QF) is expanding its autism services to all the regions of the country with several initiatives as QF’s Pre-University Education (PUE) organised a family awareness day to mark the World Autism Awareness Day Sunday at Oxygen Park.

Renad Academy is one of the main providers of autism services in the country. World Autism Day, marked on April 2, was designated by the UN on the proposal of QF Chairperson Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser.
“Now we are launching a programme called Satellite, to support people living in various places such Wakra or Shamal or any other part of the country with a chance to enrol their children for the services of Renad Academy, if needed,” said Khaled Kassab, public relations officer, PUE, QF.
“So far the autism services were available only at QF schools. Now we are expanding the programme to the government schools and working with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to help students who are autistic,” he explained.
About 23 entities participated in the event, including Renad Academy, Awsaj Academy, The Learning Center, and the Ability Friendly Programme. US Ambassador Timmy T Davis and QF’s SEN Schools executive director Mark David Hughes were among the dignitaries who joined the event to promote autism awareness among the community.
“World Autism Day is so important as it is an occasion of making sure that we are supporting young people and helping them with the tools that they need to be successful. There is a lot of research about autism spectrum these days and I think it is to be noted how we need to help these people not just with their needs but also their special talents,” said ambassador Davis.
Kassab noted that the event is a community awareness programme about autism. “It will be an annual celebration on the occasion of the World Autism Day. Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, has instructed everyone to help spread awareness about the day and how the autism people can be supported.
“There is great demand on autistic services and so we founded the Renad Academy. Now we have a joint venture by Renad Academy, Awsaj Academy, Ability Friendly programme and The Learning Centre to provide special needs services. These four centres are supporting each other and Renad Academy provides special needs services on autism,” stated Kassab.
The activities of the day were be divided into three main areas. The entertainment section screened episodes of Siraj – the edutainment TV series that helps children learn the Arabic language in a fun and engaging way – as well as a virtual reality station. The cultural section featured a Majlis area, a workshop space, and an inflatable maze. And the food and beverage area offered multiple refreshment stations, as well as inflatable football games.
The World Autism Awareness Day event at Oxygen Park is one of many taking place in April. Other initiatives include QF’s 2015 building being lit in blue until Tuesday and PUE hosting an autism information booth in the 2015 building for three days from Tuesday.