Abu Dhabi: Zayed University (ZU) on Monday marked International White Cane Day, an annual event observed on October 15 every year to mark the achievements of visually-impaired people.
The university organised an array of events and activities, including workshops allowing students, staff, and faculty members to experience what life would be like if they suffered from visual impairment.
“Zayed University has always been committed to provide the best practices and support for students with disabilities,” Professor Al Mehaideb, vice-president of Zayed University.
“White Cane Day is organised to encourage independence among special needs students with emphasis on visually impaired and to raise awareness about this segment of society, who should be integrated with their sighted peers and provided with equal educational opportunities,” he said.
Fatima Al Qasimi, manager of the Accessibility Office at the university and event organiser, said it was crucial for special needs children to have some independence, and that a balance must be struck between care and too much care.
“One of the most difficult challenges faced by students with disabilities, especially the visually impaired individuals is that not being fully prepared for the college life and career. In schools, parents and teaches gave too much attention and special care to their special needs children. However, too much care can result in harming them rather than benefiting them,” she said.
“Special needs individuals must learn everything by themselves and should depend on themselves while performing different tasks with a little support from others,” she added.
Providing quality education that will allow special needs students to excel in their futures is also crucial according to Al Qasimi, who explained that teachers must be properly trained to help with the academic needs of students with disabilities.
“Teaching quality is the key ingredient to student success. Therefore, teachers should be fully prepared, ready, willing and accountable for the achievement of learners who have disabilities. I am delighted to say that the university is now a pioneer in the teaching of special needs individuals,” she said.
“Faculty members and staff have been engaged in many training workshops to enhance outcomes for students with disabilities and reach their full educational potential,” Al Qassimi added.
Zayed University currently has more than 100 students with disabilities, including 28 who are visually impaired.
