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Helping autistic patients integrate into society

April 23, 2012
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Riyadh, April 23: Defense Minister Prince Salman yesterday opened the Prince Nasser bin Abdulaziz Autism Center that belongs to the Saudi Charitable Society for Autism.


Prince Turki bin Nasser sent his thanks to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah for his support for the center, which adheres to international standards.


Prince Turki said: “Prince Salman’s dedication to this center comes from his keenness in supporting social and charitable activities, especially those targeting the disabled. Members of the Saudi Charitable Society for Autism are very keen on seeking the best services for this section of society in the Kingdom.”


Zayd bin Abdullah Al-Mashari, adviser to Prince Nasser, explained the center was established in 1997 under the name Academy of Special Education. It then came under the supervision of the Saudi Charity for Autism, authorized officially by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Approval was granted by King Abdullah to name the center after Prince Nasser.


The late Crown Prince Sultan donated SR10 million, while the contribution of Prince Turki, chairman of the center, was the land on which the center stands. The area is 10,000 sq. meters and valued at SR25 million in addition to SR10 million worth of support from the Ministry of Social Affairs.


Al-Mishari added the center consists of six basic units all working for the benefit of people with autism, including one for the overall clinical diagnosis of autism, one for early intervention, one for the education of boys, an evening program unit and a unit for the vocational rehabilitation of boys.


The unit of vocational training for girls will be operational by the beginning of the next scholastic year, as will the unit of education and training that will hold lectures, seminars and workshops and facilitate participation in exhibitions and distribute publications.


Al-Mishari said that the center seeks to achieve other objectives including the protection of rights and equal opportunities and integrate those with autism into mainstream society.


It also aims to provide education, training and rehabilitation for children and adults with autism, provide activities aimed at the discovery and development of their potential to the highest possible extent, and raise public awareness of individuals with autism in the community to facilitate acceptance and improve their daily lives, especially with regard to social interaction with others.


The center will organize courses and workshops for teachers, specialists and parents involved in the education and training of children with autism, and to support research and studies that deal with people with autism by providing opportunities for researchers.


Al-Mishari said: “The conditions for access to the center include providing a medical report from a clinic that outlines the diagnosis of autism and similar disorders. The age of the child should be at least two years and not more than seven years for boys to join the unit of early intervention, and girls should not be more than 14 years.”


“Tuition fees at the center is SR15,000 annually, which is less than half the tuition fees in nongovernmental centers for people with special needs. For those unable to pay the fees, Saudi charities may be able to help.”


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Agencies
May 14,2020

Dubai, May 14: As many as 242 beggars of different nationalities have been nabbed by the Dubai Police since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

Among those arrested, 143 were men, 21 were women and 78 were hawkers, said the police. "An anti-begging campaign was launched, especially to find beggar hotspots, to combat the negative phenomenon," said Colonel Ali Salem Al Shamsi, director of the anti-infiltrators department at the Dubai Police.

"Strict warnings have been issued to beggars to refrain from exploiting the sentiments of people during Ramadan," he added.

Col Al Shamsi also called on the public to stop helping them with money. "The public must direct those in dire straits through proper channels in order to get support from charitable institutions."

Col Al Shamsi also urged residents to report begging activities by calling 901 or through the Dubai Police app's 'Police Eye' feature.

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Agencies
August 4,2020

Beirut, Aug 4: A massive explosion has shaken the Lebanese capital of Beirut, with a very high number of casualties expected.

A warehouse at the Beirut Port caught fire on Tuesday afternoon, triggering a huge explosion, Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Several smaller explosions were heard before the bigger one occurred.

Abbas Ibrahim, the head of Lebanon’s General Security, said that “highly explosive materials” confiscated earlier had been stored at the site.

Footage shared on social media captured the moment of the bigger explosion, with a colossal shock wave seen traveling fast across several hundreds of meters and shrouding the area in thick smoke.

The blast left enormous material damage to the surrounding buildings and structures. But it was not immediately known how big an area was affected.

There was also no immediate casualty count. Graphic amateur video from the scene showed bodies strewn on the ground, with their clothes blown off.

The NNA said rescue operations were underway. Ambulances were seen heading toward the scene in central Beirut.

Lebanese LBC television channel quoted Lebanon’s Health Minister Hamad Hasan as saying that the blast had caused a “very high number of injuries” and “extensive damage.”

Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud said an unspecified number of firefighters dispatched to extinguish the initial fire had been killed in the explosion.

“As they were putting out the fire, the explosion took place and we’ve [lost them],” he said, breaking down on live TV.

The explosion comes at a time when the Arab country is passing through its worst economic and financial crisis in decades, and amid rising tensions with Israel.

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KT
April 13,2020

Dubai, Apr 13: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on Monday announced 172 new recoveries in the country, taking the total recoveries to 852 cases.

"With today's 172 cases, the total number of fully recovered Covid-19 patients has become 852, while three residents of different nationalities were declared dead, taking the total number of deaths to 25," Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokeswoman for the ministry, said.

"We have also carried out up to 23,380 new tests on Monday all over the country."

Also read: UAE residency, visit visas valid until end-2020

Dr Hosani said His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has launched the national home-based testing programme for determined people, be they nationals or residents.

"The program, targeting this important segment of the society who have difficulty doing tests outdoors, is part of the national drive-through testing national program."

Addressing some baseless rumours that are viral on social media, Dr Al Hosani confirmed that no one can fix a date for the peak of infected cases.

"So many studies have affirmed that physical distancing is so critical in reducing not only the number of Cobid-19 new cases but also the infection curve."

Dr Al Hosani advised the public to wear gloves whenever they go out. "However, do not touch your personal stuff when wearing gloves, particularly when using your phone, and safely dispose of them."

It is still so critical to clean your hands with water and soap on a regular basis, she underlined. "Cleaning and washing our hands are much better and safer than wearing gloves."

Wearing one-time disposable surgical gloves is highly advisable, she said. "If not available, hand-made cloth masks can be used but need to be cleaned regularly with water and soap."

Masks should be worn properly covering the nose, mouth and the chin, she pointed out. "Do not touch the internal or external parts of the face masks, while the blue colour side must be always outward."

Priority in drive-through tests are given for those with respiratory issues, senior people, and pregnant women, she said in answer to a question raised by media people.

"If you are developing no Covid-19 infection symptoms and just wish to make sure you are sound, you need to book an appointment, be aware that it will cost you Dh370."

"If developing minor symptoms, the public is urged to stay home and call any of these toll-free numbers for help: (800011111), (8001717), (800342)."

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