Improved facilities for special needs get go-ahead

Abu Dhabi: A national campaign to integrate people with special needs into the community was announced yesterday.

The campaign is under the patronage of Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union, and is organised by Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care, Special Needs and Minor's Affairs.

"Shaikha Fatima is very concerned about special needs and supporting them to take their chance to be active in society," said Ali Salem Al Ka'abi, director of Shaika Fatma's office.

Mohammad Fadel Al Hamili, secretary-general of the organisation, said: "The campaign targets all local and private departments in Abu Dhabi, to examine the way they execute the international standards for special needs services to enable them to be merged in society."

"The organisation will provide all departments the facilities to create a suitable working environment for [people with] special needs and also train them."

The organisation will honour the best departments by giving them Shaikka Fatima's golden or silver gratitude trophy, or a letter of thanks," he added.

The campaign will monitor the implementation of international standards for special needs, looking at transport facilities, training programmes, equal chances for education and healthcare.

It will also promote training programmes for those working with people with special needs.