American author Hellen Keller and composer Ludwig van Beethoven made huge contributions to human history, as have physicist Stephen Hawking and the musician Stevie Wonder – and yet they are disabled. They prove that when a community embraces its disabled members, everybody benefits.
Hubert H Humphrey, former Vice President of the United States, said, ‘The moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; and those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.’ Organisers in Abu Dhabi are taking these words to heart by putting together the first exhibition and conference in the Middle East that focuses on the economic, social, educational and professional empowerment of people with disabilities.
The conference, which is being held March 24-26 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), is called Abilitiesme. Although this will be the inaugural event, Abilitiesme directors anticipate the conference will be annual. It will be open to the public so anyone who wants to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s initiatives to help the disabled can attend.
The goal of Abilitiesme is to bring disability issues to public attention and exhibit new products and services for people with all kinds of disabilities, from autism to physical handicaps.
Rajendra Salgaonkar, the project manager for Abilitieme, says, ‘For the first time in the Middle East an event will bring disability and rehabilitation issues around all the Emirates into the spotlight as well as showcase the latest rehabilitation products and services. Abilitiesme will touch on issues such as accessibility, education, healthcare, social inclusion and sports for people with disabilities in the UAE and around the Middle East.’
There will be many different events within Abilitiesme. Here’s a rundown of the highlights:
Speakers
One of the main draws of the Abilitiesme conference will be the speakers, who will include heads of government organisations such as H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, the minister of culture, youth and community development, and H.E. professor Maha Taysir Barakat, the director general of the Health Authority Abu Dhabi. The speakers will explain the ongoing initiatives designed to protect and support residents with disabilities. One of these is a healthcare card which allows disabled persons to easily obtain health insurance and to be given preference in clinics and doctor’s offices. The areas of concentration include healthcare, transport, insurance and education.
Exhibition
In an effort to introduce Middle East communities to the developments in mobility solutions, there will be displays of the latest technology and equipment available for the elderly and disabled. Visitors will be able to learn about these new developments and experience how they work to improve the lives of the disabled.
Some of the technology featured will include new designs for disability-friendly play areas with ramps, padding and wheelchair-accessible swings catering to children with special needs. Visitors can also find out more about the latest in automobile technology such as adjustable drivers’ seats and independent electric ramp entrances that will allow wheelchair-users to operate Mercedes and Chrysler vehicles.
Workshops
There will be several workshops throughout the three-day conference. The workshops will be between 30 and 40 minutes long and will span the sectors of healthcare, education, parenting and caretaking. These hands-on classes will aim to provide visitors with a deeper understanding of therapies, products and services. According to Rajendra, the workshops will be most beneficial for people with special needs, parents of children with disabilities, healthcare specialists, teachers and carers.
Some of the workshops that are confirmed include How Can We Integrate Disabled Students into the Mainstream Classroom? led by Jancis McGrady from the British Council, and Self Advocacy for the Mentally Disabled, which will be led by representatives from the non-profit organisation, Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services.
Sporting activities
A special feature of the Abilitiesme conference involves a partnership with UAE Disabled Sports Federation. There will be an array of activities highlighted such as basketball, chess and boccia, which is a precision ball sport similar to bocce that is featured in the Paralympics. Wheelchair-racing will be open to people with limited mobility and to able-bodied persons in order to allow them to experience, for a short time, what it’s like to be in a wheelchair.
The clubs participating in these activities include the Al Thiqah Club for Handicapped, from Sharjah, and the Al Ain Club for Disabled.
Free, March 24-26, 10am-6pm, ADNEC, Al Falah Street. Register at www.abilitiesme.com
