Special Ed Schools
It looks like we might be headed to Doha with my 11 year-old son with Down Syndrome, and we've been scouring the Internet for schools.
We are looking for recommendations from anyone who has first-hand knowledge of special ed for an 11 year-old, or can refer us to someone or an organization with any information.
Also, does anyone know of a Down Syndrome Support Group?
Many thanks! Sam
Compass takes special needs. I know of at least one family who has a Down's child there, although I have no idea of the severity. I would contact them to see if they can help otherwise, as others have said, I wouldn't come to Doha.
Don't even think about it. You might be able to get a place in a mainstream school provided you pay for a special needs assistant (untrained) for your son. Don't come.
I would tell you not to come. Help for the disabled/special needs child is in it's infancy here. The stigma is just beginning to leave as they are becoming more aware and up-to-date, but it leaves a lot of be desired, especially if you are used to programs in the west.
The Shafallah center opened in 2006 and is a center for special needs/handicapped children that is run by the Qatari government. Almost 100% of the children there are Qatari. I would check out their website, but be warned the chances of them letting you in are very small.
TLC (The learning center) is attached to Qatar Academy, part of Qatar foundation. It is a school for children with mild learning disabilities.
I tried to edit my message to add that I don't consider any child to be on a par with my dog :( - merely that your family may attract attention that you're not accustomed to at home. Can I please take my foot out of my mouth now?
Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"
Check with Shaffalah and the Learning Centre as noted above, but you may not find the same type of programs you are accustomed to in North America - not saying they're bad or anything, but different.
Conditions like Down's Syndrome exist here as they do everywhere in the world - however, often children are not seen - what I mean is, they're often kept at home, where they will be safe but exposure to the outside world is limited.
Not all parents do this of course, but whereas in North America I'm never surprised to see someone with a disability (whether physical, mental, or congenital) at the mall or the grocery store or the movies - it's unusual enough here for me to "notice" them on a conscious level.
This is merely an FYI in terms of adjusting to the local "culture" on this issue, another point is that many people from the subcontinent "stare" at people and things they consider to be different (hey, I'm one of them when I go out for a walk with the dog, I try to look at it as I'm a form of entertainment - half of the dog and pony show so to speak)it can be disconcerting especially when you first arrive.
I'm sure you and your family would be able to get along fine and I hope the programs on offer at these organizations will be useful.
Signature line > "You can't fix stupid"
Yes either Shaffalah or the Learning Centre, both part of Qatar Foundation.
Aisha-Taweela
http://shafallah.org.qa/
I know they work with many young people with Down's Syndrome and they are supported by the Qatar Foundation.
I refuse to drink the kool-aid! -- PM