Dubai continues its efforts to become an inclusive and empowering city by developing an integrated system that safeguards the rights and enhances the participation of People of Determination.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, chaired a meeting that chalked out ways to develop an integrated system that safeguards the rights of People of Determination and enhances their active participation across various sectors.
The high-level meeting also looked at initiatives that protects their rights through an integrated government framework, along with developing an inclusive services ecosystem in Dubai.
Empowering People of Determination
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed said: “Empowering People of Determination is a shared responsibility that relies on the integration of roles between government entities and the community, and on translating policies into services and initiatives that create a direct impact on the lives of individuals and families.” The meeting reviewed proposals across several vital areas, including inclusive services, inclusive education, inclusive employment, inclusive healthcare, and accessibility.
The Community Development Authority (CDA) completed 10,363 calls to people in various disability categories as part of a qualitative initiative aimed at checking on their well-being, identifying their needs, and enhancing communication channels with them.
Proactive Approach
Her Excellency Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director-General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai (CDA), said: “Direct communication with People of Determination serves as an important tool for reassurance, understanding their needs, and strengthening trust between People of Determination and the entities responsible for serving them.”
The KHDA presented several initiatives aimed at enhancing educational access for students of determination which includes adopting reference options for international curricula and alternative pathways suited to Dubai’s context. Also, develop an integrated regulatory framework for licensing and quality assurance for specialised programmes offered to students of determination.
Healthcare Services Showcased
Dubai Health presented key healthcare services for People of Determination, covering prevention and early detection through premarital genetic screening programmes, prenatal genetic screening, and early assessments for diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in addition to early intervention centres and a range of specialised care and rehabilitation services.
Dubai Health also offers several education and scientific research programmes, most notably residency and fellowship programmes that include specialisations supporting People of Determination, alongside advanced research in genomics and neurodevelopment, contributing to the early diagnosis of diseases.
Accessibility Pillar
The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai (RTA) reviewed key initiatives and measures to enhance access to transport services, facilities, and parking spaces across Dubai.
These included allowing People of Determination to use paid parking spaces free of charge, installing awareness signage, and raising public awareness about obtaining permits and making proper use of parking spaces designated for People of Determination. The RTA also highlighted the technical integration between Parkin Company and the CDA to verify the validity of the ‘Sanad’ card before issuing permits.
Inclusive Employment Focus
The Dubai Government Human Resources Department’s (DGHRD) briefed about developing the Inclusive Employment Policy and Procedures Guide, and preparations for the People of Determination Forum in the Dubai Government.
Dubai Municipality briefed about strengthening the implementation of the Dubai Building Code (DBC) and develop supportive legislation to ensure buildings and facilities comply with accessibility requirements, and enhancing digital integration in collaboration with Google Maps to upload accessible locations onto digital maps.
Sign Language Charter
The meeting witnessed the signing of the ‘Dubai Communicates in Sign Language Pledge’ for the Deaf and Hearing Impairment community, by Dubai Police, RTA, CDA, Dubai Municipality, Dubai Health, KHDA, DGHR, and Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
Later, Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed toured the departments and offices of the KHDA, where he was briefed on its workflow, key initiatives, and inclusive education services.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed:
“Empowering People of Determination is a shared responsibility that relies on the integration of roles between government entities and the community, and on translating policies into services and initiatives that create a direct impact on the lives of individuals and families.”
