State-of-the-art centre for disabled children launched

A one of its kind advanced centre for children suffering from disability, was launched under the auspices of Dr Hilal bin Ali al Sabti, Minister of Health.

The centre, part of the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Disabilities (AEICD), is located at the airport heights and has various facilities including 9 daycare classrooms, 7 vocational training classrooms with capacity of 170 children as well as rehabilitation department consisting of physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupation therapy, behavioural therapy and special education.

The centre also features supportive services such as sensory integration rooms, darkroom, observation rooms, specialised sports facilities, aqua therapy services as well as paid activities such as assistive devices shop, gait analysis, 3D insole production services, orthotic and assistive device workshops.

The dream of having a state-of-the-art centre was made possible by the generous support of the government of the Sultanate of Oman, in partnership with the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and committee members which include bp Oman, CC Energy Development Oman, Oxy Oman, Daleel Petroleum, OQ and Petroleum Development Oman.

State-of-the-art centre for disabled children launched

“Our vision is to reach every child with developmental challenges so that they can live to their maximum potential with the highest possible degree of independence and inclusion in Omani society. Its mission is to preserve the right of children with disabilities to live with dignity, equality, and quality of life,“ said Sabah al Bahlani, CEO of AEICD.

Dr Ali al Rajhi, Planning Director General in the Ministry of Energy and Minerals commented: “This project reflects our priorities at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals and Oman Vision 2040 as this centre acts as a strategic direction to have a decent and sustainable life for all, including children and persons with disabilities."

"The centre offers a comprehensive range of services to support the children and their families in facing their challenges and gives children equal opportunities to thrive, learn and become an integral part of society,” he added.

The establishment of the new centre is expected to pave the way for AEICD to become a national centre in providing rehabilitation, social, education and training services to the children with disabilities and their families across Oman.