International experts discuss key issues concerning people with disabilities

Early Intervention is the key to help children with specific disorders. The government has introduced a host of initiatives that will not only enhance the lives of people with disabilities but also integrate them into the society, according to a Dubai government official.

Dr. Hussain Ali Maseeh, Expert – Program and Social Services Sector, Community Development Authority, Dubai Government,  was speaking at the inaugural session of Knowledge Centre, part of the three-day AccessAbilities Expo 2016 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Experts from the UK, Switzerland, Germany, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE will talk about issues concerning disabled people and the latest practices, with a view to presenting effective, implementable measures and benefitting over 50 million people having disabilities across the Middle East, in line with the ‘My Community… a city for everyone’ initiative by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai executive Council, aimed at inclusion and empowering people with disabilities.

AccessAbilities Expo is being held under the patronage of 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 Middle East and Nadd Al Shiba PR and Event Management.

Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said: “The Knowledge Centre has brought in international experts to talk about every possible area touching the lives of the people with disabilities. The discussions are educative as well as thought-provoking and the valuable insights from these experts from all over the world will result in effective and implementable strategies, that can benefit millions of people with disabilities in the region.”

Highlighting the need to create a supportive environment, Maseeh, who is an expert in the Social Development and Care sector in Community Development Authority, said: “Creating an optimum environment is vital and Early Intervention helps do that. The services are conducted in regular setting where people with special conditions are provided services in natural settings. This will help them a smooth integration process,” he added. Natural setting includes home, school, playground, parks, outings, etc.

He said inspired by the Vision 2020, many departments are already actively using technologies that make transactional procedures accessible for people with disabilities. Systems have been put in place to integrate people with disabilities into the workforce and also into the society.

Sabine Mokbel-Hammoud from Stars for Special Abilities, UAE, said if a child was not meeting the required development stages in the first three years of birth, it would be time parents acted and sought help or consultation.  Her talk was illustrated with helpful hints for parents.“Family is key to Early Intervention,” she said. 

“With their support we can help individuals to cope with their disabilities faster,” she added.

If the child with disabilities has siblings, they should be invited to join them in sessions as it will only encourage the child further, she advised. Children with disabilities should be given the chance to express their imagination and creativity. For example,  let them get involved in daily activities such as shopping, eating or playing by themselves. “This will help them get responsible and confident,” she said.

According to Sabine, parents should set realistic expectations. “Though we want the best for them, the goals should be achievable and realistic,” she said, otherwise there are chances that they will get frustrated.