Mada Centre will distribute 1,000 devices to parents of autistic children to help them track and keep the children safe, the organisation announced at the recent Gulf Region Education Assistive Technology Conference (GREAT).

Mada held a seminar during the GREAT conference to introduce the system and communicate the benefits of the technology in cooperation with the Qatar Autism Families Association.

This high-tech device is able to locate the holder (child) accurately through satellite communication and local communication networks. Furthermore, it is compatible with all models of smartphones. The objective is to help keep children with disabilities safe should they become lost or separated from their parents.

This recent offering is part of Mada's mission to ensure that access to the latest and most important international technologies are available in Qatar. With the aim of increasing availability in Qatar when it comes to advanced technological devices for persons with disabilities.

Recent studies have indicated that around 50% of children with autism love to roam away from their parents' watchful eyes. This is for multiple reasons, including their love for exploring and their interest to walk and visit their favourite places. This device distributed by Mada also provides children with the ability to use the device as a mobile phone, where they can communicate with their parents and talk to them. Parents will also have the ability to track and communicate with their children regularly.

Maha al-Mansouri, chief executive officer of Mada said, "We hope that through this initiative and device we will be able to contribute and help make the lives easier of those who have children suffering from autism. These families face significant challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety and well being of their children, who can easily become distracted and wander off in public places. We are dedicated to providing the latest in assistive technologies, in order for families of Persons with Disabilities to overcome challenges that they may face when it comes to integrating them into society.”

The Mada Centre aims to help enable all persons with disabilities in Qatar and for them to achieve their full potential through ICT. The centre provides access to the latest information and best practices, to ensure optimal usage through assistive technology. Mada has conducted many awareness activities throughout the year to highlight the positive impact of assistive technologies in the lives of people with disabilities in Qatar and beyond, as well as the importance of digital access.

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