Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
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Damascus, SANA- On the occasion of the World Autism Awareness Day, some cultural and tourist buildings in the capital city of Damascus on Tuesday evening were illuminated in blue.
The event is a part of “Blue Light” initiative which is launched by the Syrian Organization for the Disabled (AAMAL).
The initiative also included a theatrical show on stage of al-Hamra Theatre in Damascus under the title “Two Faces in Light” with the participation of 19 children with autism who were trained by cadres of AMAAL.
The theatrical show embraced three of the international children’s stories which are “Cinderella”, ” The Little Match Girl” and ” Little Red and the Wolf” with a new style.
“The AMAAL Autism Center seeks to benefit from the techniques of the theatre to help achieving the goals of the individual educational plans for the children as the plays were rewritten in a way that suits the abilities of those children,” Drama Coach Najib Habbal told SANA.
Habbal added that the children were trained on the show for three months to enhance their self-confidence and independence and their feeling of happiness.
The show conveys a message to all families which have children with autism that they shouldn’t be shy and they should bring their children to the light and that there is an organization which works on helping them to get out of darkness.
“Blue Light” initiative aims at shedding light on the blue color which the international color of autism as it refers to the importance of raising awareness on the diagnosis and early intervention, according to AMAAL Chairman of the Board of Trustees Ali Turkmani.
Turkmani noted that the organization started to support children with autism and care for them since 2006 through establishing classrooms each includes 6 children under six years who receive therapeutic educational plans for three years, adding that most of them have been integrated into the normal schools.
On the second of April, the world celebrates the International Day for Awareness of Autism with the aim of shedding light on this disorder and its indicators and ways to rehabilitate its patients.
On this Day, hundreds of thousands of landmarks, buildings, homes and communities around the world, light blue in recognition of people living with autism. Autism-friendly events and educational activities also take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support.
Ruaa al-Jazaeri
