The Saudi School Amplifying the Voices of the Down Syndrome Community

In many societies, the path for individuals with Down Syndrome has been marked by quiet assumptions. Limiting beliefs about their capabilities have pushed the community to the sidelines, creating scant opportunities for them to pursue the same opportunities and independence afforded to others.

In Saudi Arabia, however, a new narrative is taking shape, one that amplifies the collective voice of the Down Syndrome community in order to pave the way for full societal integration. This shift in perception is largely propelled by Saut Society, an active national organisation focused on empowering individuals with Down Syndrome from infancy to adulthood.

Central to their mission is Saut, a school dedicated exclusively to students with Down Syndrome that serves as a hub of innovation, self-expression, and unity. Originally established in 1987 as a small-scale preschool, its inception was driven by a vital need for early intervention. Over the years the institution expanded to offer comprehensive support through all stages of life, and in 2010, the school was formally integrated under Saut Society sole management.

To hear first hand how this new narrative is being crafted, I spoke with Saut Society’s CEO Zaina Zaidan on her vision for empowering individuals with Down Syndrome, the strategic initiatives behind Saut’s success, and the future of inclusion in Saudi Arabia.

When it comes to defining what it means to ‘give a voice’ to the Down Syndrome community, Saut’s goal is, and always has been, to empower individuals to fully showcase their abilities. A pivotal aspect of this mission is ensuring active self-representation. Students are consistently encouraged to participate in social life, work, and government-related discussions, thereby serving as ambassadors for the broader Down Syndrome community. “Our students actively participate in all sorts of events and official positions. For them, it means they're seen, they're heard, and they're truly contributing to everyday life and important conversations,” Zaidan says.

To achieve this, Saut Society employs a unique 'third curriculum', which is built on Individualized Education Plans (IEP) and age-based placement. “Everything they learn is specifically tailored for each student,” Zaidan explains. “It allows for each student to have the full effect of the program by accommodating their needs.” Additionally, students are deliberately placed with peers their own age. “The idea is that learning alongside other kids their age, even with their personalised plans, genuinely helps their social skills and overall independence.”

Beyond academics and therapy, the core of their empowerment lies in real-world participation. Throughout the day, students engage in practical activities like going to the supermarket to buy ingredients for their own meals or cleaning out their bags. “That's key to helping them express themselves, communicate, and become independent,” Zaidan says. “Our students are always out there. They're not just attendees; they're present and participating, often representing Saut itself. They're fully immersed in society.” The school often welcomes visitors such as athletes, artists, and high-profile figures like Her Excellency Raisa Hukouka Al-Insan. “These interactions are vital for them to witness progress and feel connected to the wider community.”

This commitment to real-world integration and community connection extends into Saut Society's fundraising efforts. Among these, one of Saut's most unique and popular initiatives is its annual Garga'an celebration fundraiser. This event is an alternative to Halloween, where kids trick-or-treat in the middle of Ramadan. Children from across Riyadh rent tables to sell a range of products such as food or crafts, and are endearingly named ‘Little Merchants’. The funds collected from both the table rentals and visitor entry fees directly support Saut's programs for individuals with Down Syndrome. This celebration is so popular that, as Zaidan shares, "People actually book their tables way in advance, and sometimes moms even get a little competitive over them! It's truly a wonderful way for people across Riyadh to come together, celebrate, and actively support our educational efforts."

Saut Society's program has sparked a profound shift in the conversation surrounding Down Syndrome across Saudi society. “What really drives the change is when people see these success stories firsthand,” Zaidan shares. “We have three students working at Saut as secretaries and PE teachers - they really are our true ambassadors!"