UAE a 'dream country' for determined ones

Dubai - The UAE provides a fulfilling life to the people of determination.

 As the world marked International Day of Disabled Persons on Monday, the UAE community looked back on how the country has relentlessly supported people of determination, promoted their rights and created a nurturing environment that protects them from neglect.
Safia Bari, director of the Special Needs Future (SNF) Development Centre - the only centre for expat adults of determination - said she is grateful to the UAE for providing a fulfilling life of inclusion to the people of determination.
"Thanks to the country, the one-room centre that I opened in 2007 to train special needs adults has now been moved to a bigger and better place. Before, the capacity of the school was only 36, but today, it can accommodate up to 50 students. Currently, we have 44 students and we still have a waiting list of adults with severe disabilities. Our 2019-2020 plan to introduce afternoon sessions is ongoing," she said.
The school's new premises is a villa in Mankhool, complete with training facilities for gardening, badminton and football, among others. It even offers a mock office set-up, which focuses on training young adults for future work opportunities. A large activity hall also hosts weekly zumba, yoga and  reading sessions and monthly health checkups for all students.
The SNF does not have any age limit for its programme. Its oldest student, who has recently left, was a 57-year-old woman.
Bari said: "My message to all people of determination is to embrace your special ability of being different. Continue to focus on all the things that you can do rather than those that you can't, and always believe in yourself."
A dream to live in UAE
Muralidharra Rao, a parent of an adult expat studying at the SNF, said: "We are very happy with the SNF's expansion to the new facility as all classrooms are spacious and wheelchair-friendly. I must say that the SNF is the only place in Dubai charging such minimal fees for the training and development of young adults with special needs. It is overwhelming to see my son Rakesh looking forward to his routine training at the SNF every morning."
For Gulshan Kavarana, founder of a support group and art mentor at Mawaheb, it has been "almost a dream to live in the UAE with a determined one" because of the way the country has embraced people of determination with open arms. 
"We are grateful that the country is trying to make people more aware and is so welcoming to the people with disabilities. We love the new phrase 'determined ones' given by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE Ruler of Dubai, and the amazing new policies he has implemented," Kavarana said.
"I used to think that people in other countries are more aware and accommodating for the determined ones but when I flew abroad recently, I was shocked to see how they just don't care for such people. It made me realise how blessed we are to stay in the UAE, as the people here are welcoming and much more aware and accommodating."
Employment opportunities
Part of the country's policies that protect the well-being of people of determination is one that encourages their integration into the UAE's workforce. Through its programmes, the Ministry of Community Development (MoCD) empowers the determined ones as they seek jobs across the country.
Marking International Day of Disabled Persons, Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, launched an action plan that would ensure various recruitment entities would be able to efficiently process the job applications of people of determination and find suitable opportunities for them.
"The recruitment platform (launched earlier this year) mirrors the National Policy of the Empowerment of People of Determination, (which seeks to) provide employment to people of determination based on their type and level of disability and the needs of the labour market," Buhumaid said.
According to the 2016 statistics from the ministry, there are around 16,000 people with disabilities in the UAE, 62 per cent of whom are Emiratis. The figures also showed that some 2,000 people are working across almost 90 rehabilitation centres in the country.
The 2006 UAE Disability Act also stipulates that UAE nationals with special needs have the right to work and hold public office. In Dubai - which plans to be one of the world's most disabled-friendly cities by 2020 - a 2014 law protects the rights of citizens with special needs.
Fun day out for special needs kids
Around 300 Dubai residents gathered for the annual family fun day for people of determination, held at Zaabeel Park on Monday.
The event was organised to raise awareness and promote the integration of children with special needs into the society.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, and organised by Asateer Event, the afternoon was packed with sports and other activities like face-painting, photography session and arts and crafts for children of determination and their families.
The event was also supported by the Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality and the Community Development Authority.
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• Dubai