Al Noor Centre provides pioneering, innovative services to children with visual disabilities

Al Noor Centre is committed to providing an advanced therapeutic, rehabilitating and educational environment, said executive director Meshal al-Naimi, and keeps pace with the latest technologies to meets the needs of members and beneficiaries with visual disabilities."In the new academic year, we believe in the importance of achieving independence for people with visual disabilities,” he said. "We aim to provide an advanced therapeutic, rehabilitating and educational environment that enhances their capabilities and helps them succeed in a developing and changing world.”Al-Naimi said that Al Noor Centre for the Blind works hard to provide pioneering and innovative services to support people with visual disabilities in Qatar.As it is the first centre of its kind in the country, he said, that adopts a comprehensive and innovative approach to providing services, devoting all its efforts to meeting the needs of this vital section of society.The centre has made intensive preparation to receive new members, with a comprehensive update in the package of services provided.This includes providing distinguished education and rehabilitation at the highest level and organising sports competitions under the supervision of professional trainers.In addition, there are Braille reading activities to enhance the reading and writing skills of the blind.Al Noor Centre uses the latest international devices and programmes to support, empower and integrate its members, with a focus on meeting the needs of members in three main educational stages: early childhood (3-6 years), basic education (first to sixth grade), and integration (post-sixth grade).The centre provides advanced therapeutic, rehabilitating and educational services for children with visual impairments accompanied by mental and developmental disabilities.Al Noor Centre provides an advanced set of assistive technology tools that enhance individuals’ ability to access information and participate effectively in educational activities.These tools include screen readers, Braille text display devices, and Braille notebooks, in addition to smart and magnifying devices.The centre also stresses the importance of improving the skills of specialists and staff through advanced training programmes and specialised workshops.The centre has also worked to renovate places designated to support people with disabilities and modernise recreational facilities.The centre also focuses on providing full support to children with visual impairments and their families.This includes providing early intervention programmes for the blind and visually impaired children from birth to three years, with training sessions aimed at enhancing their growth and developing their skills.The centre also provides targeted training for mothers to provide them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support their children.