JEDDAH – THE first-of-its-kind event in the region seeking a greater inclusion and integration of people with disabilities and special needs into the mainstream society will be held in Abu Dhabi on March 24-26, 2014. Professional development and career opportunities for youth with disabilities will be at the center of the discussions, with a job fair to help employment for professionals with disabilities. “ABILITIESme” will be hosted by Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Honorary President of the Future Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi. In a bid to address the growing needs for vocations in the disability management sector (rehabilitation, universal design, assistive technology, accessibility and inclusive education), ABILITIESme will also help foster UAE students' interest in these career paths while encouraging experts and specialists to join the local and regional efforts in achieving sustainable disability management solutions. ABILITIESme will engage governments, educators, social workers, policy makers, parents, psychologists, physicians, therapists, medical experts, healthcare specialists, technologists, and people with various types of disabilities including down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, limited motor or physical abilities and more. Themed “Nurturing, Enabling and Empowering people with Disabilities”, ABILITIESme will feature ministerial meetings, workshops, parenting programs as well as academic and health laboratories. The conference will highlight six key topics related to education, health, accessibility, social inclusion, employment and policy development. ABILITIESme will showcase the latest products and services that include assistive technology, healthcare robotics, adaptive transportation, special needs educational products, rehabilitation and personal mobility equipment, advanced sports and leisure infrastructures, to improve the lives of people with disabilities. ABILITIESme has already garnered the support of key authorities and private corporations across the UAE including Zayed Higher Organization, Abu Dhabi Health Authority, ADNOC, Abu Dhabi Airport, Abu Dhabi Food Control, Dubai Community Development Authorities, Al Jalila Foundation, Autism Trust Foundation, Rashid Paediatric to name a few. ABILITIESme also boasts the participation of foreign government officials from the UK, US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and India who have pledged to join this very important and exceptional disability policy gathering and social development forum. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Chief Commercial Officer at ADNEC, said: “In line with ADNEC's commitment to hosting events that benefit the community and expand our portfolio, we are delighted to host ABILITIESme for the first time in the Middle East.” “The unique initiative will bring together the private and public sectors to empower the special needs community. Demonstrating ways to lead fulfilling lives to people with disabilities, the event will also raise awareness on the challenges that individuals with disabilities face. The event will additionally highlight latest scientific developments to help people with disabilities and special needs better manage their condition. Additionally, ABILITIESme will provide a strategic platform that offers international perspective and regional expertise, while showcasing the latest innovative technologies to address a universal challenge.” Global experts headlining the conference and workshop will deliver strategic presentations and comprehensive case studies, assess the progress made in the educational curriculum for special needs individuals globally, as well as share their perspectives on disability-friendly policies and career options. The conference will offer recommendations based on the discussions and set an effective framework to measure progress or challenges. ABILITIESme will offer families of people with disabilities and special needs an opportunity to gain a better understanding of delivering holistic psychological care even while managing their personal emotions. Particular emphasis will be given to nurturing such children's academic and physical potential. Mike Allsopp, Executive Vice-President at dmg events, organizer of the upcoming event, said: “We have worked towards the conceptualization, planning and coordination of ABILITIESme over the past 12 months. When we launched this joint CSR initiative with our long-time partner ADNEC, we were only seeking to make a difference. Since then, it has been an incredible rollercoaster ride that has changed me and the team producing the event. Today, we realize the challenges that people with disabilities and special needs face and the extensive patience that is required in dealing with the condition. “We are delighted that the event has shaped into a region-wide effort to raise awareness on disabilities, and help with the social, educational and professional empowerment of people with disabilities and special needs. Going beyond its role as an event featuring conferences, an exhibition, parents' programs and workshops, ABILITIESme is a campaign that engages anyone seeking to contribute toward the wellbeing of the community.” — SG
