200 determined ones to benefit from assistive tech devices

Students in varied stages of growth will benefit from the donated devices.

In line with the Year of Giving and the Year of Zayed initiative, a Dubai firm has donated assistive technology equipment urgently needed by students of determination, at Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs.
Over 200 students are set to benefit from the devices, which will fulfill their therapy and overall improvement needs.
Nikai Group of Companies has donated six devices of various categories that will provide a holistic approach to learning and growth to the 220 students at Al Noor. Some of these will benefit different students in varied stages of growth.
The donated equipment includes Variable Height Electric Tilt table, a positioning aid used for standing, to help increase flexibility of the hip, knee and ankle joints, which can be mainly used by students with cerebral palsy and neuromuscular dystrophy. About 30 students are expected to benefit from it.
Other equipment includes a range of switches, Prox Talker, Tilting Therapy Bench, Light Aide and Boardmaker. Each one is used for a specific purpose and will benefit various levels of students at Al Noor.
Paras Shahdadpuri, chairman Nikai Group, said: "We are thankful to Al Noor Training Centre for giving us the opportunity to support their needs.
These children are the future of this great nation and we must do all we can to facilitate their continued growth. We are also happy to contribute to society, as initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during the Year of Giving in 2017."
The range of switches donated to the centre will especially help students with hand-function and conventional access limitations, as it will give them access to computers, touch based-devices, communication and other teaching/learning resources through switch access.
About 50 students at the centre who have limited communication skills and non-verbal students who require alternate modes of communication can benefit from the Prox Talker device that will enable independent verbal picture communication for non-verbal people of all ages. This technology allows a person to simply place any photo, symbol or object on a sound tag card and have a voice.
Approximately 15 students with low vision at the centre will be to help them take part in fun activities such as colour identification and visual stimulation by using the device called Light Aide that is a teaching tool for people with low vision and cognitive disabilities. It displays colourful, en-gaging LED light sequences and can also help students with low vision in basic math to complex literacy practice, providing a bright, enriching experience for learners of all ages.
Isphana Al Khatib, director at Al Noor Training Center for Children with
Special Needs, said: "All these resources will help to enhance functions across different domains of developments and give our children access and opportunity to do different activities that might not have been otherwise possible."
saman@khaleejtimes.com