Drive to support people with special needs

Abu Dhabi: The UAE has made a paradigm shift in the concept of social welfare, when it created a new modern approach to integrate people with special needs into society, said experts.

Under the slogan “Towards community-based partnerships, to achieve reintegration,” the sixth international conference for special needs (Access) opened yesterday in the capital to discuss issues related to special needs.

The event is organised for experts to exchange first-hand experiences and detailed research to effectively integrate special needs people into society.

General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister inaugurated the event organised by the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs (ZHO). The aim of the conference is to spread awareness about the challenges faced by people with special needs and how society could contribute in mitigating them.

“The welfare of UAE citizens, particularly those with special needs, features among the top priorities in the UAE. Different organisations within the country should ensure their active participation, fulfil their requirements and aspirations in all aspects of life,” Shaikh Saif said.

“The UAE has always sought to provide necessary support to the citizens, regardless of their physical and mental abilities,” said Mohammad Fadel Al Hameli, deputy chairman and secretary general of ZHO.

Several initiatives have been launched by institutions in the capital to help people with disabilities to socialise, express their feelings and stay healthier.

The Ministry of Interior rehabilitation centres for the disabled has introduced several activities based on individual’s skills, interests and physical abilities.

“Around 451 disabled Emiratis have graduated from our training programme which lasts for about five months. Additionally, the centre has provided more than eight projects which can develop creativity and speech skills for people with special needs between 18 - 40 years old,” said Ahmad Juma Al Beloushi, deputy director of the Ministry of Interior Centres for Rehabilitation of the Disabled.

“The projects are focused on diverse activities such as human resources, computer engineering and others to help them to integrate socially and economically in society. Also necessary mechanisms have been introduced to protect disabled people from any type of work abuse and to update them with available and appropriate vacancies which can fit their capabilities,” Al Beloushi added.

Social and humanitarian services are significant for people with special needs; therefore ZHO played an effective role in providing proper education, rehabilitation and integration facilities with international best practices through a number of specialised centres and clubs across the UAE.

“Around 1200 Emirati males and females are enrolled in ZHO and they are receiving great support and care from different public and private organisations to ensure that they get a fair opportunity to showcase their talents and pursue their ambitions in all fields of life.

Also, about 200 pupils have been integrated with regular pupils in public schools in the capital” said Mariam Saif Al Qubaisi, Head of Special Needs Sector at ZHO.

“A new centre has been opened in Al Ain to accommodate up to 50 people with guaranteed education, training, health and rehabilitation care.

“Additionally, the Abu Dhabi Music and Art Foundation has created another helpful tool for disabled people focusing on music, as most individuals respond favourably to it. Music can generate simple physical activities to reach people with special needs such as clapping their hands and tapping their feet,” Mariam added.