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Takamul project a boon for special needs people

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said that the project was being launched to build up a stronger UAE.

“People with special needs can contribute to the society as much as anyone else. In order to make a stronger and an even more efficient UAE, we need to make sure that all our people need to realise and then work upon their potentials. We must work in order to ensure that people with special needs have the support and services necessary to become useful members of the society,” he said.

Talking about the project, officials said that Takamul’s programme will have six key focuses: The percentage of people with special needs being below 18 all across the world there is a crucial need for early screening and diagnosis to detect birth defects and other problems. Through the “Early Assessment and Diagnosis Centre”, Takamul would provide technical assistance to boost up the capabilities of hospitals. Then Takamul would also promote the integration of students with special needs into the mainstream education. It will also provide training to equip teachers and enable educational institutions to help the students with special needs.

Takamul will also encourage different firms and companies to employ more and more people with special needs. The aim is the transition from home to school and from school to employment. In addition to this, the Training and Research centre of Takamul will launch world class training programmes for teachers, therapists etc.

This centre will also conduct a comprehensive demographic study of people with special needs in the UAE. The centre will also provide many kinds of technical assistance to such people.

Takamul would also work with different organisations to ensure that buildings, transportation and other communication facilities are fully accessible for such individuals. It would also provide the latest technologies that can assist and enhance the ability of such people to participate in society.

“The launch of Takamul reflects the commitment of Dubai to create a barrier free society. By launching the project, the people with special needs would mingle with society in a better way. Takamul will also work to raise awareness about different issues,” said Ahmad Bin Byat, chairman of the Dubai Education Council.

Officials added that as a part of its awareness campaign, Takamul will host an international conference on special needs issues on September 11.

Moreover it will also launch “Maan”, a magazine dedicated to such people in order to give them a bigger voice.

The Takamul project would closely work with the government and educational institutions. Takamul would also build local, regional and international networks to enhance the common pool of knowledge.

One of the long term goals of the project was to establish a regulatory body and provide consultancy in areas such as service development, policy and planning, the officials opined.

• UAE