Empowering Independence for Individuals with Autism through Real-Life Scenario Training
Dubai, UAE, October 7, 2024 – Sanad Village, the largest center for autism and related disorders in the region, located in The Sustainable City – Dubai, has launched its innovative Travel and Road Safety program at the Accessibility Expo 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This new initiative builds upon the Village’s advanced simulation program, designed to prepare children and young adults with autism for real-life scenarios in a safe and controlled environment. The program specifically targets two vital aspects of everyday independence: travel and road safety.
The new program expands the already diverse range of highly realistic environments available to students at Sanad Village. Participants can rehearse various life situations in settings like a supermarket, clinic, barbershop, coffee shop, and airport terminal, equipping them with essential life skills.
The Travel and Road Safety program focuses on addressing the challenges associated with air travel and road safety—two of the most stressful scenarios for individuals with autism and their caregivers. By recreating experiences such as checking in at an airport and undergoing security checks, alongside the hazards of crossing roads and understanding traffic signals, participants can alleviate anxiety related to travel. Through repeated exposure to these scenarios, the program fosters confidence in both students and their caregivers, enabling them to manage stressful travel situations effectively.
Faris Saeed, Founder and Chairman of Sanad Village, stated: “By expanding our simulation program to include air travel and road safety, we provide children and young adults with autism the tools to navigate two of the most challenging real-life situations—flying and crossing roads. This program is a crucial step toward achieving greater independence and confidence in their daily lives. It also significantly contributes to national efforts to enhance inclusion and accessibility, aligning with the UAE’s vision of integrating and empowering people of determination.”
In addition to showcasing its new Travel and Road Safety programs at the Accessibility Expo 2024, Sanad Village is also hosting the UAE’s first-ever Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Conference. Scheduled for October 7, the conference will gather leading professionals, practitioners, and experts to explore advancements in ABA and share best practices, further enhancing the region’s capacity to support individuals with autism and related disorders.
