Dubai, Sep 11th, 2008 (WAM): ACI Real Estate, the German real estate investment firm, behind iconic developments such as the Michael Schumacher Business Avenue and Boris Becker Business Tower, today donated AED 5 million to the Dubai Autism Centre (DAC). The donation will contribute to the building fund for the DACs upcoming treatment facility.
The Dubai Autism Centre, established under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Autism Centre, is a not-for-profit organization that offers therapeutic, counselling and educational services to children affected by autism, their families and care-givers. Currently, the DAC is in need of larger, more modern premises to serve the growing demand for services.Speaking at a ceremony held to present the donation, Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Vice-Chairman of DAC said, 'ACIs generous donation will support DAC in pursuing its goal of providing better services to children and families affected by autism.
'Autism is a growing social concern in Dubai, as it is across the rest of the globe, and it is imperative that we respond collectively to the needs of our children with Autism. We hope to raise further public awareness of autism and generate additional support from businesses and the general public to create effective treatment facilities for children with autism.'Sanjay Chimnani, joint managing director, ACI Real Estate said, 'We are honoured to be part of the efforts of the Dubai Autism Centre. We have deep respect for the efforts and the commitment shown by the DAC staff and we hope our contribution will help them continue the good work they have started.'Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General and Board Member of DAC also commented, 'ACIs contribution will tremendously boost our efforts to make a real and positive difference to the lives of children with autism and their families. Their donation will particularly help us in improving our services in early diagnosis and treatment. We invite other businesses and the general public to join us in raising resources to support children with autism.'The DAC is creating a treatment centre in Garhoud that will implement global best practices in the diagnosis and prevention of autism. Expected to be ready by end of 2009, the Centre will offer an early intervention program for children as young as three years of age. It will also deliver programs specifically designed for adolescents. Autism, a neurological disorder that inhibits socialization, interaction and learning abilities, impacts children of all backgrounds. To date, the Centre has worked with hundreds of children in Dubai from diverse nationalities. The Centre has counsellors who speak English, Arabic, French, Tagalog and Hindi to further assist their parents and other care givers to train them in at-home techniques.Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2008.
