GCC experts: UAE a role model in accessibility initiatives

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is taking strong initiatives toward enhancing the lives of people of determination and is inspiring other countries by setting exemplary standards through its efforts toward becoming the world’s friendliest place for the disabled, said representatives of disability centres in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), who will participate in the 2nd edition of AccessAbilities Expo.

AccessAbilities Expo, to be held from November 7-9, will have a strong representation from the region including more than 40 centres from the UAE and GCC, and over 110 exhibitors from different countries including the UAE, UK, Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, China, and South Korea, who will present the world’s latest assistive technology, aimed at benefitting over 50 million people with disabilities across the Middle East.

The participating centres from the GCC will present their initiatives, research on various disability focused subjects, latest innovative methodologies adopted by them to facilitate inclusion and integration, new training methods being adopted, work of their students and will also spread awareness on disabilities and their operations at AccessAbilities Expo, which is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

The expo is being organised by Reed Exhibitions and Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management.

Ahmed bin Abdul Aziz Al Yahya, Executive Director-General and Secretary-General, King Salman Center for Disability Research, Saudi Arabia, said: “We will present several of our national research projects and programs, the results achieved in the early detection of disability, as well as the program of universal accessibility and empowerment of persons with disabilities. We also look forward to benefit from the technologies being showcased at the expo, and share views and experiences with participants from other countries. The Expo, by providing the opportunity to interact with international players and explore the latest technologies, will also help us explore the latest technologies and improve further.”

Mohammed Baqshi, Coordinator of Public Relations and Communication, Sabah Al – Ahmad Center for Talent and Creativity from Kuwait, said: “We look forward to connecting with centres and new technology service providers from across the world and we will reach out to all of these people to highlight our latest and innovative inventions aimed at enhancing the lives of those having disabilities. AcessAbilities is one of the best opportunities to experience the latest technologies and modern methods that make life easier for people having disabilities, under one roof, in addition to getting connected with participants from various countries and exchange experiences.”

Annie Abi Hanna, Executive Director of Al Hussein Society, Jordan, said: "Our participation in the expo is another step toward providing comprehensive services for people with disabilities and to keep pace with the latest developments in the world."

Soad Al Fares, Head of Team of Will and Challenge from Kuwait said: “We will present self-assessment training courses for people with disabilities and others during AccessAbilities Expo.  The exhibition is a great opportunity for those who would like to work toward integration and highlight the talents and abilities of those with disabilities, increasing their confidence that they are productively contributing to the community.”

Dima Ziad Abdullah Omar, Vice-President, Jordanian Club for the Deaf, said: “This year, during our participation we will focus on spreading awareness about hearing impairment by publishing sign language and educating the visitors on how to deal with people who have hearing impairment.”

Among the centres that will showcase their facilities and highlight their services include King Salman Centre for Disability Research, Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Jordan; Charitable Society of Autism Families, Saudi Arabia; Nafeh Al Amal Volunteer Group, Oman Paralympic Committee, Saudi Schizophrenia Charity Association, King Saud University - Higher Education Program for the Deaf, Group Fakher Al Watan Volunteer Team and King Salman Center for Disability Research.