Combating coronavirus: Braille emerges as important tool for people of determination

Abu Dhabi - The social sector in Abu Dhabi has taken all important measures to communicate government-mandated Covid-19 protocols

Braille has emerged as an important tool for people of determination to have access to information about the Covid-19 outbreak and its preventive measures, said an official from the Department of Community Development (DCD), Abu Dhabi.

On the occasion of the third World Braille Day on Monday (January 4), Dr Bushra Al Mulla, Executive Director, Community Development Sector, DCD, said that Braille — which is named after its inventor Louis Braille — is an effective channel of communication used by people of determination in diverse areas such as education, employment and community participation, among others.

“Braille has been playing a pivotal role in conveying written information. The social sector in Abu Dhabi has taken all important measures to communicate to the people of determination about the government-mandated precautionary protocols regarding Covid-19. The prevailing circumstances have demonstrated to the world the significance of using all channels and methods of communication to guarantee the delivery of accurate and factual information to people from all walks of life,” Dr Bushra said in her address to mark the occasion.

She highlighted the importance of creating a cohesive environment, where people of determination are assured of their rights and are given equal access to all services and opportunities.

“In collaboration with its partners in Abu Dhabi, the DCD will continue to build and enrich a community culture in which the rights of people of determination are preserved and protected. This year’s celebration of World Braille Day is an opportunity for us to continuously provide all kinds of support necessary to achieve the goals of the ‘Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination’, which aims to create an inclusive and empowered society for them,” she added.

She said a programme was launched at the end of last year to create community awareness about disability and protect the rights of people of determination.

The strategy’s goals include developing mechanisms that empower them to contribute to social change, and also ensure that they receive high-quality integrated services from both the public and private sectors.

“We will continue to implement this key strategy to further support our people of determination. This is in line with the social sector’s goal to provide a decent life for all members of the community. We will remain steadfast in our efforts to achieve the highest happiness and satisfaction levels among people of determination in various fields, as part of our bid to make Abu Dhabi a global model for an empowered and integrated society,” she added.