JEDDAH, 14 January 2005 — The First Step Rehabilitation Center for children with special needs celebrated its fifth anniversary last week. The center has served 248 children in its first five years.
Princess Nora Al-Angari and Princess Latifa Bint Thunayan Al-Saud attended the event to express support for the important role being played by the center for the benefit of disabled children.
Shahira Abbas, the head of the center’s management, announced that a new program will be launched to better serve disabled children.
The center aims to make children with special needs believe in their potential to overcome their disability. First Step Center handles children who are suffering from autism, learning disability and other kinds of special needs. It also works on preparing the physically and mentally challenged children to blend with society.
Nauf Al-Subaie, one of the guests who attended the event, stressed the importance of helping the children with special needs and giving them all the support they need to continue their education and be positive members of society.
“Society as a whole should be more aware and learn how to accept and handle children with special needs. This happens through awareness campaigns. Financial support is very important as well, because not all families are able to pay for the expenses of special education if they have a disabled child,” Al-Subaie added.
