Dubai Autism Center Concludes 19th Awareness Focus and Establishes Arabic Podcast Production Studio
Hear, Hear for the Dubai Autism Centre's 19th Annual Autism Awareness Campaign!
This year's campaign has been nothing short of groundbreaking, with a whopping kickoff back in April, graced by the presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
One of the most exciting additions this year? The launch of the region's first Arabic-language podcast studio, aiming to ignite conversations and better understandings about autism within the Arab world. The studio, a crucial initiative as stated by Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Centre, gives voice to individuals with autism and their families. A big thanks goes out to OP3 Design, the brilliant minds behind the studio's creation and sponsorship, aligning neatly with the UAE's "Year of the Community" initiative.
The campaign didn't stop there, though. It also included heaps of workshops, reaching an impressive number of over 1,100 schools and institutions across the UAE. A step forward towards accessibility was announced by the Centre, listing a plethora of autism-friendly destinations in Dubai, such as the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library and Union Coop, contributing to Dubai's vision of being a shining example for inclusion.
Familial support was another key focus, with the Centre providing free early screenings for kids with autism and releasing a handy guidebook for families and educators. Kudos to the students from the Centre, who showcased their artistic talent in the 9th Abu Dhabi University Autism Art Competition, bagging several awards.
Digital media engagement took center stage during this year's campaign, with the campaign's message being displayed on an astounding 3,150 screens across the UAE, ensuring that everyone's eyes were on autism awareness and inclusivity.
At the end of the day, Dubai stands out as a leader in social inclusion initiatives, having become the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere. This certification process has trained over 70,000 individuals and involved more than 300 hotels, underlining Dubai's commitment to fostering an accessible and inclusive environment.
- The podcast studio launched as part of the Dubai Autism Centre's 19th Annual Autism Awareness Campaign aims to promote science and mental health discussions about autism within the Arab community, giving voice to affected individuals and their families.
- The campaign has focused on education and self-development, with workshops reaching over 1,100 schools and institutions, and the release of a family-health guidebook for parents and educators.
- The Dubai Autism Centre's initiatives, including autism-friendly amenities and free early screenings for children with autism, align with the learning pillars of the UAE's "Year of the Community" and its commitment to improving health-and-wellness and community services.
- The campaign extends beyond in-person events, with digital media engagement practices spreading autism awareness and inclusivity messages across 3,150 screens in the UAE, contributing to Dubai's goal of becoming a beacon of social inclusion and being the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere.
