Former British PM to bat for special needs people

ABU DHABI — Former British prime minister Sir John Major will take part in the third ACCESS Abu Dhabi 2008 conference to promote the notion of comprehensive inclusion for people with special needs.

By Nada S. Mussallam (Our staff reporter)

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Published: Thu 6 Mar 2008, 8:47 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 6:37 PM

Sir John is known for his significant contributions in the field of rehabilitating people with physical and mental challenges in the UK.

The three-day conference, commencing on March 11, will review international and regional experiences in achieving academic and social inclusion of the disabled in the society.

The event is being organised by the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Welfare, Special Needs Care and Minors Affairs, under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

Speaking at a Press conference yesterday, Mohammed Fadil Al Hamili, General Secretary of the Organisation said the annual conference will greatly serve the objectives of the Organisation in securing a better life for people with special needs.

"Themed 'Inclusion... A Better Life For All', the conference will bring together academicians, teachers, university professors and speech therapists from 14 different countries to exchange experiences in the field of integrating disabled into the society," said Al Hamili.

"This conference represents a venue for exchange of views and expertise. We want to avail of the experiences of others in the inclusion of people with special needs into the society," said Al Hamili.

Mariam Saif Al Qubaisi, head of the Special Needs Section in the Organisation, said: "The Organisation has so far managed to integrate 120 students with various disabilities into regular schools. We are working on rehabilitating 16 other students, most of whom are suffering from vision impairment."


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