Interview with HE Safeya AlSafi: Empowering Individuals and Advancing Inclusion with the Emirates Down Syndrome Association
HE Safeya AlSafi, Undersecretary Assistant of the Commercial Control & Governance Sector at the Ministry of Economy, has made significant contributions to both governance and community empowerment. With over a decade of experience in banking and leadership roles in government, she has spearheaded impactful initiatives, including establishing the Anti-Money Laundering Department and fostering transparency across licensing authorities in the UAE.
As a board member and Treasurer of the Emirates Down Syndrome Association (EDSA) since 2018, HE Safeya is dedicated to empowering individuals with Down syndrome and promoting inclusion. In this interview, she shares her insights on EDSA's initiatives and its mission to support families and individuals.
What inspired the establishment of the Emirates Down Syndrome Association?
The establishment of the Down Syndrome Association (DSA) was inspired by the idea of supporting families. The need for emotional and psychological support prompted the formation of a support group in 2004, which recognized the importance of creating a community to share experiences, offer mutual support, and provide emotional encouragement. The group aimed to improve the quality of life for individuals with Down syndrome and their families, empower them to be fully included in society and unlock their hidden potential. This initiative later grew into a formal association, the Emirates Down Syndrome Association (EDSA), in 2006. EDSA actively conducts awareness campaigns across the community to promote inclusion, raise awareness, and advocate for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and employment.
Could you share more about the specialists at EDSA and their roles in supporting individuals with Down syndrome?
At the Emirates Down Syndrome Association, each therapist plays a vital role in supporting development. Physiotherapists focus on improving gross motor skills, strength, and coordination, while occupational therapists enhance fine motor skills, sensory integration, and independence in daily tasks. Speech therapists address language development, speech clarity, and feeding challenges, using tools like AAC when needed. Special education specialists teach structured classes tailored to academic and life skills, adapting methods to meet individual needs. Psychologists lead classes on social-emotional learning, provide counseling, and address behavioral and emotional needs, ensuring a holistic approach to the children's well-being.
Can you elaborate on EDSA's collaboration with Emirati artist Dr. Najat Makki and its impact?
Since 2008, Dr. Najat Makki has been volunteering with EDSA, using art as a vital medium for individuals with Down syndrome. Art is not just a leisure activity but a critical form of communication, especially for non-verbal individuals who face challenges with verbal expression. Through her guidance, participants are empowered to express their unique perspectives, thoughts, and emotions while fostering creativity and imagination.
Dr. Makki’s efforts extend beyond artistic expression, providing therapeutic benefits that instill a sense of accomplishment and pride. By engaging with colors, shapes, and designs, individuals not only enhance their understanding of emotions but also develop essential skills like cognitive, motor, and fine motor abilities, improving hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
Under her mentorship, participants have showcased their work in various exhibitions, promoting social inclusion and raising awareness about their capabilities. These opportunities also pave the way for vocational and professional advancements, enabling individuals with Down syndrome to earn an income and achieve greater independence.
EDSA provides support to new parents. What specific services are included in this program?
Family counseling is one of the most vital services we provide at the association. These sessions begin either during pregnancy or right after the child is born and continue as an ongoing process. When families first learn they are having a child with Down syndrome, they often experience a range of emotions—sadness, denial, helplessness, anger and fear. Counseling helps reduce these negative emotions, guiding families toward acceptance, stability, and even happiness. It also helps them understand each family member's role and responsibilities, creating a stronger support system.
We focus on building both professional and humanistic relationships with families, helping them find practical solutions to their emotional and psychological challenges. This approach allows them to develop better coping mechanisms in a shorter period. Beyond that, we offer programs aimed at making the child more independent and helping families address issues like hyperactivity or behavioral challenges. It’s also about preparing families for future dilemmas as their child grows older.
In addition to direct counseling, we provide services like awareness workshops, conferences, and training lectures. We also organize fun, interactive social programs that give families a chance to bond, share experiences, and feel connected to others going through similar journeys. These activities create a sense of community while offering valuable emotional and social support.
Currently, how many individuals benefit from EDSA's services, and what is the average duration of their involvement?
Currently, we serve more than 685 individuals with Down syndrome, with 120 to 150 individuals benefiting from our direct services annually.
These services include family counseling, early intervention, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, sensory integration therapy, hydrotherapy, applied behavior analysis, educational habilitation classes, pre-vocational and vocational training, as well as programs like the Emirates Down Syndrome Hospitality Academy, Photography Club, Sewing Atelier, Robotics Club, sports, artistic activities, Health Club, self-advocacy, and Quran recitation. Our services are offered year-round to ensure continuous support.
One of our most impactful sustainable projects is the Emirates Down Syndrome Hospitality Academy, often referred to as the "Creative Kitchen." This program creates social opportunities while fostering independence and empowering individuals with Down syndrome to develop culinary and hospitality skills. It’s not just about skill-building—it’s about providing them with hands-on experience and boosting their confidence. This program also offers them potential employment opportunities in the food service and hospitality industries. In fact, they were the first in the UAE to receive an academic program in hospitality and culinary management through the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management. Recently, we launched the first production line for the academy during the AccessAbilities Expo 2024, which was a huge milestone.
We also run a Photography Club, which focuses on teaching individuals photography skills—something they are truly passionate about. It builds their confidence and self-expression, helping them create beautiful images, document events, and engage with the world around them while raising social awareness.
Our Sewing Atelier allows participants to explore creativity and fashion design. They learn how to use materials wisely and produce eco-friendly products, which not only encourages sustainable practices but also gives them practical, marketable skills.
Finally, our Robotics Club has been a groundbreaking initiative. It was established in 2018 and was the first of its kind in the UAE for people with Down syndrome. Participants receive training in robotics and have gone on to take part in various events and competitions. Most recently, we organized the First Emirates Robotics Championship for People with Down Syndrome, which was a significant achievement for both the participants and EDSA as a whole.
All these programs are designed to empower individuals with Down syndrome, helping them develop their skills, boost their independence, and unlock opportunities for meaningful contributions to society.
Could you explain how EDSA develops an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for children and the criteria used to measure its effectiveness?
The process of creating an IEP includes a thorough assessment of a child's needs, abilities, and developmental stage; SMART goal-setting; service planning; classroom modifications; and team and family participation. The processes of approval and documentation are essential. To determine how effective an IEP is, it is necessary to track progress on goals, provide performance reports, monitor behavioural and social improvements, gather input from parents and teachers, conduct yearly IEP reviews, use standardized tests, and evaluate quality of life measurements. By following these steps, we can effectively support a child's growth and development, and this is how EDSA develops an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for children, which is very effective.
We have programs and tools to professionally assess children's skills and document IEPs to share them with parents. This helps every parent track their child's development across various growth aspects (motor, cognitive, linguistic, emotional, and social). It also provides access to child development professionals and behaviour specialists who offer sessions in all related fields.
How does EDSA's occupational therapy program address sensory and motor challenges faced by individuals with Down syndrome, and what benchmarks are used to evaluate success?
Occupational therapy is incredibly effective in helping individuals with Down syndrome address sensory and motor challenges. These programs are tailored to each person's unique needs and abilities to ensure the best outcomes.
For sensory integration, therapy involves exposure to different textures, sounds, and movements to help individuals manage sensory processing difficulties. It's all about helping them adapt and respond more comfortably to their surroundings.
When it comes to motor skills development, therapists focus on two main areas. For gross motor skills, activities are designed to build strength, improve balance, and enhance coordination. For fine motor skills, tasks like drawing, stringing beads, or playing with small toys help improve hand-eye coordination, grip strength, and precision.
Self-care skills are also a big part of occupational therapy. These sessions teach essential life skills like dressing, eating, and maintaining personal hygiene, which fosters independence.
Social skills are developed through play-based therapy, encouraging interaction with peers to improve communication and build stronger social connections.
Finally, family and caregiver training is a key component. Therapists work closely with families, teaching them strategies to reinforce these skills at home and adapt the environment to better support the individual's needs. This holistic approach ensures progress extends beyond therapy sessions and into everyday life.
How does the curriculum at EDSA equip individuals for meaningful employment, and what industries have you partnered with for job placements?
At EDSA, we focus on equipping individuals with Down syndrome for meaningful employment by creating opportunities and fostering inclusion. Our strategy is multi-faceted and designed to address every aspect of the employment process.
First, we train and empower individuals with Down syndrome, helping them develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the workplace. We also actively engage with companies in both the public and private sectors, advocating for job opportunities and ensuring that workplaces are ready to support these individuals.
We conduct work environment inspections to ensure that workplaces are inclusive and accessible. To further support inclusion, we offer co-worker training, which includes workshops and informational sessions. These sessions are designed to address misconceptions about employing people with Down syndrome and to educate colleagues on how to collaborate effectively with them.
In addition, we provide job coaching and employment technical support. This includes on-the-job coaching, job placement assistance, and career guidance, ensuring individuals have the support they need to thrive in their roles.
One of our most impactful approaches is showcasing success stories. By highlighting role models—individuals with Down syndrome excelling in various industries—we challenge stereotypes and demonstrate their abilities. It’s all about changing perceptions and creating a more inclusive workforce.
Bocce is the chosen sport for EDSA's annual tournament. Why was this sport selected, and how does it benefit individuals with Down syndrome?
Bocce was chosen because it aligns with the abilities of our children. It is a sport that requires skill and cognitive thinking and has been part of the Special Olympics at the global level since 1995. Additionally, the first bowling championship for people with Down syndrome will be launched in 2025.
What level of funding is necessary to sustain the quality of EDSA’s services, and who are the key supporters or donors?
To sustain the quality of our services, we rely heavily on donations and contributions from a variety of sources—charitable associations, companies, individuals, and even specific projects and initiatives. However, we do need an endowment to create a sustainable income stream that will help us maintain and expand the services we offer.
We’re incredibly fortunate to have some amazing supporters who help make this possible. Organizations like the Ministry of Community Development, the Community Development Authority, and Dubai Health Authority have been key contributors. We’ve also received support from names like Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, Union Coop, DP World, Dubai Municipality, and even global organizations like the Special Olympics. Private companies such as Shangri-La Hotel, The Moon, Farahat & Co, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, and Dubai National Insurance have also stepped up to assist us. It’s a collective effort, and we’re so grateful for their continued partnership in helping us serve the Down syndrome community.
What strategies does EDSA employ to educate the wider community about Down syndrome and promote inclusion in schools, workplaces, and public spaces?
We see education and awareness as some of our most important responsibilities. One of the ways we do this is through social awareness campaigns that aim to educate the public and challenge stereotypes. For example, our World Down Syndrome Day walkathon is always a big event that brings people together to celebrate inclusion and raise awareness. October is another key month for us because of our Awareness Month Campaign, where we focus on spreading knowledge about Down syndrome and promoting understanding.
Beyond public events, we also host conferences, workshops, and webinars to train parents, teachers, employers, and even community members. These sessions are all about fostering inclusion and giving people practical tools to support individuals with Down syndrome.
Social media is another powerful platform for us. We use it to share success stories that showcase the abilities and achievements of people with Down syndrome. It’s a great way to inspire others and challenge outdated misconceptions.
We also focus a lot on self-advocacy, helping individuals with Down syndrome learn how to represent themselves and their needs. In schools, we work closely with teachers to create inclusive learning environments and help classmates understand the importance of respect and empathy. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) play a big role here, tailoring the learning experience to meet each child’s specific needs.
At the university level, we provide training for students to prepare them to advocate for inclusion in their future careers. We also run campaigns within schools, universities, and workplaces, targeting both public and private sectors to promote inclusive practices. It’s all about creating a society where individuals with Down syndrome are fully included and supported in every aspect of life.
EDSA Chairperson Dr. Manal Jaroor recently signed an MoU with Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment at the AccessAbilities Expo 2024. What initiatives or benefits do you anticipate from this collaboration over the next five years?
This partnership is really exciting because it focuses on empowering People of Determination in so many ways. Over the next five years, we’ll work together to organize events and programs that support and uplift them. Training workshops will play a key role in enhancing their skills and preparing them for future careers.
Another important aspect is knowledge sharing. By exchanging expertise, we aim to improve the services available for People of Determination and adopt global best practices. We’re also committed to driving research and innovation—developing new technologies and solutions that can significantly improve their quality of life.
Public awareness is another big focus. We’ll launch educational initiatives to address the challenges faced by people of determination and advocate for their rights. This collaboration is about creating a more inclusive society and ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed.
Can you share any standout success stories from EDSA’s alumni, and what milestones does the organization aim to achieve in the years ahead?
At EDSA, we’ve seen incredible examples of what people with Down syndrome can achieve. They have unique talents and abilities that make them invaluable in the workplace. Whether it’s their punctuality, attention to routine, positive attitude, or emotional intelligence, they bring so much to the table.
For instance, Belal, who works at Savola Food Industries (Bayara) and Carrefour, has been a standout employee. His friendly demeanor and enthusiasm have had a noticeable impact on customer satisfaction. Another amazing success story is Saif, who works at the Hilton Hotel. Not only has his dedication been recognized, but he’s also been promoted—a milestone that reflects his hard work and potential.
Our students in sustainable projects, particularly in hospitality and food services, are also making progress. They’re working hard to create opportunities for themselves, and we’re incredibly proud of their determination.
Sports is another area where our participants shine. They’ve earned 228 medals in national, regional, and international competitions. Their latest success was at the World Games in Berlin 2023, where they delivered outstanding performances.
On the organizational side, we’re proud to have received the Diamond category in the Community Development Authority’s evaluation system under the ‘Ethraa’ program in December 2024. This recognition as one of the most outstanding non-profit organizations reflects the impact of our work and the exceptional services we provide to vulnerable groups.
These stories and achievements motivate us to keep striving for more opportunities and greater inclusion for individuals with Down syndrome. We’re excited about what’s ahead.