(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- In order to empower people with intellectual disabilities and others who are differently abled, the Omani Academy for Special Skills, was launched on Monday at Oman Down Syndrome Association under the auspices of H E Dr Yahya bin Badr al Ma'awali, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Social Development.
The academy aims to build and reinforce professional capabilities for the inclusive group by providing them with practical and theoretical workshops and on-the-job training in cooperation with the private and public entities in Oman.
H E Dr Ma'awali said, 'There are people who are differently abled and need training to become producers and contributors to the development of the nation. This academy is an opportunity to have a partnership between the private sector and the government sector to help these people to become productive and self-reliant.'
Dr Lamya Harub, co-founder of the academy said, 'The Omani Academy for Special Skills is the first inclusive training programme in Oman that includes an integrated group of people ranging from those with intellectual disabilities and others who are differently abled.'
She added, 'The academy aims to build and reinforce professional capabilities for this inclusive group by providing them with practical and theoretical workshops as well as conducting internships and on-the-job training in cooperation with the private and public entities in the sultanate.'
Ali bin Abdullah Yousif, chairman of the Board of Directors of Oman Down Syndrome Association, explained that the academy for special skills is divided into five semesters along two years (2019–20).
He said, 'The comprehensive programme includes a foundation course (theoretical and practical skills acquired) through workshops on innovation and entrepreneurship, arts, craftsmanship, Artificial Intelligence, first aid, and many others, during the first year. 'In the second year, the programme focuses on on-the-job training. The internship that the students were placed in will be based on the evaluation results from the workshops they took part in.'
Miad al Hinai, student supervisor in the Academy for Special Skills, said, 'At the end of each workshop, the academy will be evaluating the students to ascertain their level, track their development, measure their strengths and weaknesses, and explore their inhibited talents. As a result, a suitable on-the-job training placement will be identified to build upon the students' professional skills.'
Alice Ambusaidi, co-founder of the academy, said that the academy is working to obtain professional accreditation.
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