Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health, will inaugurate the new premises of the Association of Early Intervention of Children with Disability (AEICD) in Airport Heights on Monday.
This event marks a significant milestone for the Association as it acts as an integrated system of programmes, procedures and policies for children with disabilities and their families in the country.
Speaking to the Observer, Sabah al Bahlani, CEO of AEICD, said that the prime object of the association is to detect disabilities early, provide appropriate rehabilitation, and improve the quality of life of children and their families through support and education on handling children's disabilities.
“We would like to thank His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik for Oman Vision 2040, in which well-being and social protection are primary national priorities. The strategic direction is to have a decent and sustainable life for all, including people and children with disabilities,” said Al Bahlani.
According to Oman's E-Census 2020, there are 10,880 children with disabilities, and the number is on the rise. In this scenario, the association aims to reduce the burden on families by supporting them continuously. The team of people working for the Association are committed to inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities and their families. The association provides holistic rehabilitation services to support each child by encompassing rehabilitation, social, training, educational, therapeutic, and recreational programmes tailored to meet their unique needs with a deeper commitment of the volunteers.
The association has been providing services since 2000 at the building provided by the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs where it serves 3,000 children. Due to the increased demand for its services, it was imperative to decide on a building that will encompass a state-of-the-art rehabilitation centre with improved facilities and high standard and strive for best practices, according to Al Bahlani.
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Al Jisr foundation for supporting the construction of the association building along with several foundations, Oman LNG Development Foundation, Eshraqa Foundation, Saud Bahwan Charitable Foundation, MB Foundation, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and Sohar Aluminium. Thanks to Alizz Bank for supporting fundraising and to the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and petroleum companies for purchasing the furniture and equipment. Their tremendous support allowed the association to expand and provide services to more children.”
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