Doha - Al Noor Institute for the Blind, one of the most advanced centres for the visually impaired in the Gulf, held the finale of its scientific competition at the Millennium Hotel yesterday.
The participants displayed and discussed their presentations and the winners were presented awards at the end of the programme.
One of the winners, Lubna Mohajer, who is a Special Education Specialist in the Math Department at Al Noor, presented a new teaching method titled "Brain Gym'. The novel method, which took two years to develop, centres on developing body movements as a tool in teaching visually impaired students for them to focus, listen and understand more.
"It took me two years to complete the research because sources were not available and I had to go abroad for references since this is something new in the field," Mohajer told The Peninsula, adding that the research is the first of its kind in the Arab world.
The novel teaching approach was piloted in Al Bayan School for three weeks and the results so far show it is effective, she said. The method was utilized for Math, but can also be used for other subjects, she added.
At yesterday's programme, graduates, directors of some schools, and companies who support the institute were also honoured.
Al Noor Institute for the Blind caters to more than 300 visually impaired students from all sections of society. It is well-equipped for individuals whose eyesight ranges from low vision to complete blindness. It offers musical and art therapy, books in Braille and magnifiers for easy reading.
Al Noor provides services to those ranging from pre-birth to over 40 years of age. It has also been supplying manpower to Sharq Village and Spa hotel.
© The Peninsula 2008
