The expert and consultant in special education and director of the Ma’an Special Education Center, Osama Madbouly, confirmed that Bahrain has made great leaps in the field of providing high -quality health services for people with Down syndrome.
On the occasion of the world celebration of the World Down Syndrome Day on March 21 under the slogan “Developing our support systems”, he pointed out that Bahrain provides people with Down syndrome inclusive educational opportunities and appropriate job opportunities, in addition to facilitating participation in social, cultural and sports activities.
Madbouly explained that Bahrain is a model to support and empower Down syndrome champions, as efforts are combined to provide the best educational and rehabilitation services, and to provide job opportunities that guarantee them a decent and independent life, pointing out that the Kingdom is characterized by continuing its efforts in this approach, and seeking a brighter future for its children with Down syndrome.
He added that this annual event, which was approved by the United Nations since 2012, aims to raise the level of public awareness, enhance social integration and support the well -being of people with Down syndrome.
He stressed that this slogan comes as an explicit invitation to reconsider the existing systems and develop them to meet the various and changing needs of people with Down syndrome at every stage of their lives.
“Despite the global efforts, there are still great gaps in the available support systems, which impedes these people’s ability to achieve their full potential,” Madbouly said.
He pointed out that the main goals of the slogan revolves around comprehensive access to services, and this includes ensuring obtaining high -quality health services, inclusive educational opportunities, and appropriate job opportunities, in addition to facilitating participation in social, cultural and sports activities.
The goals of the slogan also include enhancing independence and self -determination by enabling persons with Down syndrome to make decisions related to their lives, developing their life skills, and encouraging them to participate effectively in society.
He pointed out that building inclusive societies is among the main goals, by spreading awareness, combating discrimination and stigmatization, and establishing intense environments in schools, workplaces and public places, as well as families’ support by providing psychological and social support, and providing them with the information and resources necessary to care for their children.
He stated that support is a fundamental human right for people with Down syndrome, and helps them integrate into society and live in dignity. However, the type of support required varies from person to person, which requires providing support that meets the needs of each individual, and gives him selection and control.
He indicated that the United Nations recommended in order to achieve these goals that support systems should be developed to include several basic elements, including rational governance, providing information and accurate data, social protection, human support, and auxiliary technology, in addition to facilitating access to appropriate transportation and housing.
In the context of celebrating this day, many events will be held around the world. At the United Nations headquarters in Geneva, a special tour will be organized at the Palace of Nations for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, followed by a special celebration that includes letters and live performances.
The United Nations headquarters in New York will also witness the 14th World Conference of Down Syndrome, where experts and defenders of the rights of Down syndrome will discuss ways to improve existing support systems.
Globally, the “lots of socks” campaign continues to attract attention, as it encourages people to wear colored socks as a symbol of solidarity with people with Down syndrome.
