Ability Center for Special Needs Abu DhabiEstablished in 2008, the Ability Centre for Special Needs is one of Abu Dhabi’s little known charities. The centre focuses on academic learning as well as skills and behavioural development for children and young people from five to 30 years old with special needs. In small, sunny classes of up to five students, teachers take the time to instruct in basic levels of subjects ranging from maths to science. But the main focus here is to rehabilitate, boost confidence and build skills. For this purpose the centre also runs an Individual Education Plan (IEP) that focuses on every child’s personal needs, ranging from behavioural modification to physiotherapy and speech therapy. Last January the centre was one of two charities (the Emirates Autism Centre being the second) that benefitted from the funds which were raised at the Saadiyat Beach Classic golf tournament. Earlier this year they also received funds from the AmCham Annual Excellence Awards gala dinner. Such initiatives have helped the Ability Centre to boost its work and invest in much-needed equipment, however, because the centre does not receive any other form of financial support, they must rely on tuition fees. At Dhs35,000 per year, the parents of some students who cannot afford the fees are forced to withdraw their children. And for kids who require such specialised education and care, this could be a serious setback. Contact: You can also help by fundraising for the centre. The Ability Centre for Special Needs, Abu Dhabi Officers City, Villa no 2. Hassan Abdullah Khori (02 558 4341). Abu Dhabi, UAE | ||||||||||||||||||
