UAE | General
Special needs travellers call for legal protection
Every special needs traveller needs mobility without hindrance, Majid Al Hussaini, a 31-year-old Emirati who has been paralysed since childhood, told an international conference on Wednesday.
- By Wafa Issa, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:08 May 22, 2008
- Majid Al Hussaini (centre) spoke about his experiences at the International Tourism Development Forum for People with Special Needs in the Middle East.
- Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News
Dubai: Every special needs traveller needs mobility without hindrance, Majid Al Hussaini, a 31-year-old Emirati who has been paralysed since childhood, told an international conference on Wednesday.
"I want to move without obstacles wherever I go and I want to do it independently," said Al Hussaini when he shared his experiences at the International Tourism Development Forum for People with Special Needs in the Middle East.
Nearly 10 per cent, or 30 million individuals out of the 300 million people in the Arab world, are physically challenged and need special care.
The suffering of a special needs traveller begins when he enters an airport, according to Al Hussaini, who is also head of the special needs unit at Dubai Sports Council.
Narrow entrances, narrow aeroplane corridors and very small toilets are some of the problems at airports, he said.
"On one trip the plane started taking off while I was still in my wheelchair waiting to be seated," said Al Hussaini.
He called for legislation to enforce the rights of special needs people.
Maria Nyman, policy officer at the European Disability Forum, an organisation that represents the interests of some 50 million people in Europe, said new legislation was passed in the EU to protect the rights of special needs people.
Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, said the forum emphasises the rights of special needs people and strengthens the idea of equal rights.
What can be done to enhance quality of travel for people with special needs? DO you know of any such programmes in other countries? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
As a wheelchair user, I have visited Dubai on many occasions and found the majority of people to be courteous and accommodating in most areas. But there are keys issues which are troubling such as the lack of adapted hotel rooms in general and few adapted toilet facilities in publicly accessible places. Legislation can be a thorny approach, but not without its merits as long as it follows the 'social model for disability and focuses on equality of human rights for all.
Ray
Richmond, North Yorks,United Kingdom
Posted: May 22, 2008, 11:39
Share this article
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Kuwaiti Emir invites Khalifa to Arab summit
- UAE Haj pilgrims safe and well: official
- Briton loses libel case against newspaper
- Masafi Village to get first sewage treatment plant
- Activities lined up for Eid holidays in Dubai parks
- Doctors urge residents to observe safety first
- Parking, Metro, telecom offers during holidays
- Malaysian woman jailed for forging cards
- Schools mark National Day with shows
- Database launched to help combat infectious diseases
- Munching on a health hazard
- National day celebrations held in Dubai
- Wise spenders shop way ahead of festivities
- Wag a tail
- SAT wiz: Top of the class
Community Reports
-
Munching on a health hazard
Residents must be careful about consuming snacks and sandwiches prepared along the roadside as they attract dirt and bacteria
-
Faded signage fails to guide visitors
Reader seeks better upkeep of signboards in green areas
-
Noise pollution must be regulated
Residents are finding it difficult to sleep well at night owing to ongoing construction work
-
Protect our children's health
Dust and dirt from a nearby road are causing problems to those frequenting Al Nasseriya park, Sharjah.
