The Sharjah Centre for Learning Disabilities (SCLD) kicked off its fourth Learning Disabilities Conference on Saturday, October 13, 2024, at the Sharjah Education Academy. Organised under the theme "Shared Challenges/Innovative Solutions," the two-day event was held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and attended by Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Sharjah Districts Affairs Department (SDAD).
Four Key Focus Areas
The Sharjah Learning Disabilities Conference spotlighted four core pillars: assessment and diagnosis, scientific and technological research, support and empowerment, and educational interventions. More than 20 scientific publications and four workshops were presented by professionals from around the world, covering innovative approaches to early identification of learning disabilities and strategies to expand support services.
A particular focus was placed on strengthening teacher training programmes and sharing best practices to improve educational outcomes for students with learning disabilities.
International Collaboration and Organisation
The conference was organised in cooperation with the Sharjah Education Academy and Princess Tharwat College in Jordan. Backing came from the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry as the gold sponsor, while the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority served as media sponsor. Additional silver sponsors included the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Centro Sharjah Hotel, and Air Arabia.
Landmark Diagnostic MOU Signed
A milestone moment of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SCLD and an Egyptian research team headed by Dr. Samira Bakr. The agreement sets out plans to develop an intelligent diagnostic test designed to identify children at risk for learning disabilities at an early stage.
SCLD Director Emphasises Technology Integration
Dr. Hanadi Al Suwaidi, Director of SCLD, stressed the significance of the conference's themes, noting the growing role of technology in special education and the importance of the latest diagnostic and support tools. She highlighted the value of local and international collaboration in introducing modern systems that can meaningfully support individuals with learning disabilities and ensure access to high-quality educational services.
