Call the disabled people with determination: VP

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a National Strategy for Empowering People with Disabilities during a visit to the Ministry of Community Development.

He said that people with disabilities will be called "people of determination" from now on, and that those responsible for the services at organisations will be called "services officers for people of determination."

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, also attended the visit that included the establishment of an advisory board for people with disabilities.

"Disability is in fact the inability to make progress and achievements. The achievements that people of determination have made in various spheres over the past years are proof that determination and strong will can do the impossible and encourage people to counter challenges and difficult circumstances while firmly achieving their goals," Sheikh Mohammed said.

He also directed the appointment of a dedicated person in every service-related organisation, who will be in-charge of facilitating the service for people with disabilities.

The National Strategy for Empowering People with Disabilities revolves around six pillars including health and rehabilitation, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment, mobility, social protection and family empowerment, and public life, social and sport.

Other dignitaries present during the visit were Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Future, Najla bint Mohammed Al Awar, Minister of Community Development, and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai.

"We also named the national policy after people of determination to recognise their monumental efforts in making achievements and overcoming all challenges."

reporters@khaleejtimes.com