The Butterfly Foundation held the second Advocacy Support Group for parents in Ma’an, International Tower, Abu Dhabi, on the 23rd of January 2020. The aim of the support group is for parents to share feelings, experiences and information in the disability field, and to improve the lives and the opportunities for their children in Abu Dhabi. Although the personal stories are confidential, I would like to share some of what was discussed in order to keep everybody informed on what we do and our progresses.
Many were the topics treated, with a primary focus on Education for children with disability. Parents often feel frustrated by the following:
- The delay in the enforcement of the Federal law No 29/2006 providing inclusive education.
- Rejection of students with disability from schools after their first assessment.
- Inadequacy of training of staff in some of the schools.
- Long waiting list.
- High school fees.
From the medical side one question was raised:
- Why the issue of the Auneq Medical Card for the children requires exclusivity and the absence of a coexistent additional medical insurance.
Although some of the topics treated are not of easy resolution and require some time, The Butterfly Foundation is committed to engage with all the public and private stakeholders in Abu Dhabi, to collaborate to find answers and a way to improve the living condition of the children with determination and their inclusion in the community.
The next Advocacy Group for parents will be held in Ma’an on Thursday the 6th of February, at 10,30 am until 12,00. Please contact us at advocacy@thebutterfly.ae if you would like to join us on that day.
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