Abu Dhabi:The International Conference on Occupational Health and Inclusion of People of Determination (ICOCH26), organized by the Zayed Authority for People of Determination and the Emirates Occupational Health and Community Health Society, will take place in Abu Dhabi from 24th to 26th November. The conference will focus on health rehabilitation programs and integrated care, specifically targeting People of Determination. These programs will explore training approaches that connect oral health with neurological and motor functions, supporting skills such as chewing, swallowing, balance, and sensory communication.
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference will feature Celestial Cocoon, an organization that specializes in therapeutic sensory spaces and integrated care systems. Celestial Cocoon will present a training program that includes interactive workshops and practical applications based on scientific research and real-life case observations. The program aims to uncover the connections between oral-motor skills and sensory and motor functions.
Dr. Nadia Ursu, Founder and President of Celestial Cocoon, emphasized the significance of chewing in stimulating sensory and motor brain regions. She highlighted the roles of jaw muscles in motor coordination and head and neck positioning, as well as the connections between jaw functions, middle-ear mechanisms, and balance. The program will introduce structured bilateral chewing exercises using specialized therapeutic tools under professional supervision to assist People of Determination with oral-motor challenges.
Dr. Ursu also noted that some individuals experience jaw and neck tension or pain without being able to clearly express their symptoms. The program is designed to help families and caregivers recognize non-verbal signs of discomfort, enhancing their understanding of the sensory and functional needs of those they support. Short, consistent training sessions are encouraged to be incorporated into daily care routines after professional assessment, with the potential to support feeding skills, comfort, and independence.
She further stressed the importance of healthcare innovation beyond advanced technology, advocating for simple, practical training programs that families and caregivers can regularly implement. The UAE's supportive environment for innovative healthcare initiatives was acknowledged, with a focus on empowering People of Determination and improving their quality of life.
Dr. Ursu concluded by expressing her ambition to expand the program across all seven emirates, aiming to increase its reach and encourage the widespread adoption of inclusive health education programs, thus enhancing the lives of People of Determination.
