It is a special need
As an educator, I have seen many successful children who were helped gradually towards integration programmes and are independent and competent today ("Schooling challenges", Gulf News, January 11). It is not just the responsibility of a few private schools to help them. Currently, schools are reluctant to induct pupils with special needs, due to lack of expertise. There is a need for special therapists' salaries and professional standards to be established and their work to be recognised. This is necessary to attract more people to join this field and help the children.
From Ms Heena Jaisingh
Dubai
Similar pain
A pain gripped me as I went through the news of two babies who lost their lives at Al Wasl Hospital ("Fatal hospital bug kills two newborn babies", Gulf News, January 10). We were also in the same agony and sorrow a few years ago when we lost one of our twin babies due to a pre-term delivery, but our other child received excellent care from the special baby unit at Al Wasl Hospital. I pray for any parent going through such an ordeal. May God give the parents enough strength to overcome the situation.
From Ms Subi Kadackel George
UAE
Appalled
My son suffered from a major health problem a few years ago. We went to a hospital here and were appalled by the bureaucracy. We could not take a direct appointment with the paediatric neurologist and had to first show our son to a general practitioner. Later, the neurologist admitted our son to the hospital for four days and performed various tests. Despite all the comprehensive tests, the doctors could not reach any conclusions. Then we visited a renowned neurologist in Mumbai, India who correctly diagnosed my child within the first five minutes of observation.
From A Reader
Name withheld on request
Abu Dhabi
Noise levels
I had been awake since 3.30am and it was now 6am in the morning. The reason for this was the constant roar of engines and shifting gears. Excellent I thought, a car race in the middle of what is no longer a remote area but a "suburb" of Dubai, and what I presume could be called a neighbourhood. Like so many people I relish the sound of a high performance engine and can derive pleasure from the seemingly arcane act of sitting in a car seat and simply pressing the accelerator to make noise. However, you would not find me doing this in the middle of the night on my driveway out of respect for those nearby. It would be commendable if the organisers of events would acknowledge the fact that they are no longer alone in the community.
From Mr Paul V.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Not in this day and age
I would have thought that in this day and age, people with special needs would not be excluded ("Wheelchairs fail to ground 10-year-old pupil's dreams", Gulf News, January 10). I attended a special needs school in the UK where there were no stairs and everything was accessible. Pupils like Abdullah would benefit. I certainly did.
From Mr James Hume
UAE
It was chilly
I see the relevance of Mr Lawson's concern about the cinema's air conditioning system ("Cold cinemas", Your turn, Gulf News, January 9). In all probability it is a case of a malfunctioning temperature regulation control, which the management was unable to set right. In such cases, an operator should be instructed to monitor the temperature manually. My office building has a faulty air conditioning regulator due to which several people have developed bone and joint related problems. There is a need for regulations that will make managers of these public premises comply with acceptable levels of public comfort.
From Mr Sajit Viswan
Abu Dhabi
A different experience
I use public transport every day and have to wait for long hours for the bus, which is quite pathetic ("A long and weary bus ride", Gulf News, January 12). I have used public transport in Hong Kong for two and a half years. It was so convenient that I never found the need to buy a car.
From Mr Akram Seddiqi
Dubai
Transport woes
A very thought-provoking and long overdue article to highlight the woes of people using public transport buses. If I may add, I am a frequent user of public transport in Dubai. There are no proper timings for most of the buses due to the chaotic traffic conditions being witnessed. In view of bus routes with very long journey times involved, the RTA should look at resolving some of these issues by plying express buses between bus terminals. This will also reduce the waiting time for many passengers who intend travelling short distances.
From Mr O.D. Willibrord
Dubai
Not well-planned
It seems bus routes, timings and frequency are not planned well. I often reach office late because of which I get reprimanded. Sometimes I have to wait for half an hour for a bus. I suggest the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) start a shuttle service from different areas with bigger buses for busier routes. Bus drivers or supervisors should also manage and accommodate passengers during peak hours, since often the buses are empty but the drivers do not accommodate other passengers.
From Mr Paresh Mehta
Dubai
Too long
The traffic situation is getting worse each day in Dubai. I started for work at 8.30am from my house in Deira and reached my office at 12.30pm. So, just to travel three kilometres, I spent three and a half hours in traffic. I request the Roads and Transport Authority to take necessary steps to solve this problem.
They should inform people in advance if they are planning to change routes, so necessary steps can be taken to reach on time.
From Mr Dil Shinde
Dubai
