Abu Dhabi: Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and Abu Dhabi Airports have partnered with Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority to unveil new sensory rooms for People of Determination at Abu Dhabi International Airport.
The launch of sensory rooms is part of an agreement between Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and Abu Dhabi Airports. Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination has been spearheading an ambitious project to set up six sensory rooms across several commercial centres and key public areas in the emirate.
The two sensory units which are located in the Terminal One and Terminal Three play areas, incorporate educational, recreational and therapeutic techniques, through an integrated set of sensory experiences for children in an environment that helps them relax, focus and learn.
Sensory rooms represent a modern relaxation method used as part of treatment and early intervention programmes for children with autism.
Mr. Al Humaidan further added that, “Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination supports the framework of treatment and rehabilitation, whether in commercial centres or key public spaces, in order to achieve Abu Dhabi’s vision of providing the most innovative and advanced services for our people of determination, to ensure their social inclusion.”
Meanwhile, Mr. Shareef Hashim Al Hashmi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, stated that, “This partnership aligns with our corporate social responsibility framework which aims to enhance the people of determination’s experience at Abu Dhabi International Airport, leveraging the latest technology and equipment to provide an easy and smooth travel experience for them and their families”.
The Abu Dhabi Airports CEO further added that “Abu Dhabi Airports is committed to providing maximum levels of support for people of determination, in cooperation with partners, to reinforce the emirate’s position as an inclusive community for everyone.”
Speaking about the initiative, Ms. Sana Mohammed Suhail, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, remarked that, “We are dedicated to supporting the comprehensive development of the child, with a focus on empowering and enhancing the well-being of children of determination. Ensuring health, wellbeing and living standards of children and facilitating their social inclusion is at the heart of what we do.”
The sensory room initiatives contribute to the integration of children with social, emotional or sensory challenges by providing calming facilities in crowded public spaces, enabling them to regulate brain negative reactions to external stimuli, providing a quiet haven and helping children develop coping skills.