Dubai's 5-point strategy to empower disabled community.

Summary: 'They want to coexist with others and treated equal'

Dubai government has formed a task force with non-governmental organisation's (NGO) and people with disabilities to implement a five-point strategy to turn Dubai into a disabled friendly city by 2020.

Healthcare, inclusive education, inclusive employment, infrastructure, and social protection for people with disabilities will be given huge focus over the next five years, Assistant Secretary-General - Strategy Management Sector and General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai, Aisha Miran told Khaleej Times on the closing day of the Dubai Inclusive Development Forum on Monday.

"We have devised this strategy following thorough consultation and coordination with experts in the field and people with disabilities," she said.

While outlining the initiatives and policies included in the Dubai Strategy for Persons with Disabilities 2020, Miran said it will be empowering people with disabilities through training and development programmes.

"This is part of the inclusive employment strategy point. We want to dissolve all obstacles currently in place preventing these people from becoming entrepreneurs."

Financial support will be encouraged from both the government and private sectors to enable people with disabilities to be active in the workplace, not just represented.

"It has to be made clear. We are not opening up specific job opportunities for people with disabilities. They want to coexist with others and be treated the same. As such, we want to equip them with the skills to do so, not offer them easy inroads because of their disability."

Miran said applicants to jobs will be employed due to their skills, not due to their disability.

When it comes to healthcare, priority will be given to ensure the right services, including rehabilitation services, will be provided for the disabled community.

Inclusive education programmes for students past Grade 12 will also be implemented throughout the city where higher education students will be offered increased support both academically and vocationally. When it comes to accessible infrastructure in Dubai, Miran agreed that barriers do exist here but the strategy aims to create a seemless journey throughout the city for the disabled community.

"We are currently in the midst of developing a strategic project with the Dubai Municipality, Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and private developers to identify the gaps in transportation, public spaces and buildings in Dubai so as we can improve them."

She said physical assessment for this project will kickstart in early November and will take five or 6 months to survey the areas needed for improvement.

"The end vision is 2020 but the community will see ongoing improvements regarding access over the next few years."

The Dubai Inclusive Development Forum 2015, organised by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai, was held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

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