Is it just me or does no one care about children with special needs?

For the past few weeks I have been out-n-about continuing with my special needs awareness project. I have gone to a few international schools, institutes, stores and other centers who cater to children with special needs. I have met many nice people through it all Mashallah. People who care about these children and their families, people who have put forth quality time to educate others. I have also come across people who don't care one bit and then those who say they care, but their physical actions don't show it. All this puts a bad taste in my mouth!

I started thinking that maybe its because I'm from America, my outlook about special education or children with special needs differs from other peoples outlook. Programs, organizations who create awareness programs and  people in the field of special education aim towards helping those with special needs.  I have come across people (of multiple nationalities) who aren't affected by this topic at all. It seems if the person doesn't work in the field (and even some who work in the field don't seem to be effected) or have a family member with special needs.... they could care less.


Though I have no intentions of letting this deter me from my purpose, it is a little disappointing. For some reason I was expecting people, especially those already in the field to be interested in making a difference. Well I am going to keep doing what I was doing and hopefully, by Allah's will, make a difference in the society here. Helping Hands Special Needs Awareness Project continues....

Just poking my head in.....

Hey I am Special With Needs! readers....

I haven't posted anything in a little while. I wasn't abandoning my readers :-( I have been really busy with my new program, "Helping Hands". (By the will of Allah) I have been able to create an awareness for children who have special needs through being out and about within the community, talking to members of society informing them about children who have special needs and the resources available in their city,mainly Jeddah. I feel this is also my responsibility as an advocate for children and families with special needs. Society needs to be educated, this includes you and I. Because I work in the field doesn't mean I know every single thing. There is always new research, new diagnosis, and new methods within this field which may be hard to reach for one reason or another. With this being the case, it's important for us to stay up-to-date on topics that deal with special eduction, both in Saudi Arabia and around the world.

I have realized the first step in lending a helping hand, specifically here in Saudi is by educating the people. If the community doesn't know about people with special needs or disabilities, special education and special needs resources in general how am I to expect them to help their family members or children.

For my readers who are interested in learning more, what do you recommend as steps that I can take that would help to benefit you, your family or your community? Please leave comments below....

3,089 Hits!!!!- Thanks guys :-)

In gratitude of my blog and blog readers I would like to thank you all for the support of me, the blog and Helping Hands Educational Program.  As of April 8th 2012 we have reached 3,000 hits. Its not a whole lot but its a good amount for only having the blog running 7 months!  This post will include the most read and top 3 rated posts in I am Special With Needs! blog history.

Feel free to go back and re-read the listed posts as they are informational and obviously the most liked posts!

Number 1 rated post: Professional Insight: Hope for Exceptional Needs. Posted January 4th 2012.

This  was my first interview post on I am Special With Needs! Like I mentioned in the post, I had heard so much about the place, I just had to do an interview with the Director :-)

Number 2 rated post: Muscular Dystrophy: I should have watched those Jerry Lewis Marathon. Posted November 19, 2011

The title speaks for itself. Those of you who don't know who he is; he is an American comedian who hosted a television marathon in support of Muscular Dystrophy and the chairman of the Muscular Dystrophy Association until 2011. When I was younger I would always turn the channel to something I thought was more entertaining. But now I know better. Muscular Dystrophy is a disability that needs much awareness. 

Last but not least, the number 3 rated post is *drum roll please*World Down Syndrome Day posted March 22 , 2012

I loved this post because I was able to write about something that I saw with my own 2 eyes, here in Saudi Arabia. Seeing what I saw at the event was the start of a new educational and business beginning for me. I was moved and amazed by the initiative put forth in support of people with Down Syndrome. I was very happy to be there and happy to witness the growth of the society. 

So there it is folks, the top three loved posts. If you have not signed up to receive email updates of the blog posts please do so.

Thanks for the support again :-)
Ummaryam

Helping Hands Support Services- for children with special needs

Just wanted to tell you all that I have launched a new in-home services program for children with special needs. The name of the program is Helping Hands Educational Program.

7 services for families are offered with in the program. The services are based upon the developmental need of each child. Each service is planned specifically to tailor the SPECIFIC need of the child.  The reason I have decided to start this is basically for the same reason I started this blog; just because there are not many resources and services for children and families with special needs. So I decided to change that and offer services in the home of the family, to help children develop and help families get ahead.

There are hourly fees that apply to each service. Enrollment consists of completing an application and an assessment on the child and family. Scholarships and payment plans are available for families who have financial difficulties.

If interested, please contact Helping Hands at helpinghandsep@gmail.com. Thank you in advance for your support and please don't forget to inform your family and friends who currently reside in KSA about these services.