The AccessAbilities Expo Medical Conference provides a platform of the best doctors and experts from various countries worldwide. It will shed light on the medical and health challenges faced by more than 50 million People of Determination living in the Middle East and introduce the medical community to the different diseases and genetic disorders leading to disability.
The conference is of great importance considering that the Middle East has one of the highest prevalence rates for rare diseases, particularly genetic diseases. The Centre for Arab Genomic Studies in Dubai estimates that approximately 2.8 million patients suffer from 2,297 rare diseases in the Arab countries, resulting to billions of annual spending in the government and private sectors to enhance their lives.
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DAY 1 | INCLUSION
9 OCTOBER 2023
Inclusion is a universal human right that embraces all people irrespective of race, gender, disability, medical or other needs, and it provides equal access without barriers to everyone. The business case for inclusion is stronger than ever before in the highly globalized economy and the world that is increasingly becoming borderless. It is essential to get the best out of any society.
Ensuring inclusive opportunities for People with Disabilities not only helps get rid of discrimination in society but is vital to crossing obstacles in the long and complex journey to provide an ideal living environment for everyone in the community, including in the workplace, education, health facilities,transportation services, sports, commercial establishments, and tourist attractions.
Key topics by speakers to be addressed will include:
- Are organisations rightfully recognizing and focusing on the Inclusion of People with Disabilities to enhance their services to the whole community?
- How does Inclusion affect an organisation’s long-term performance?
- How does an Inclusive society help transform the quality of life for People with Disabilities?
- How does a more Inclusive society enhance the lives of every person living in that society?
- How does Inclusion impact the wider economy of a city or country?
- How are Inclusive organizations cultivating cultures that produce higher productivity, retention, engagement, morale, and innovation?
- How can the Education sector be made more Inclusive to build the foundation of an Inclusive
society? - What are the key steps toward making workplaces more Inclusive?
- How can the urban environment be enhanced to support wider Inclusion in Education and Industry?
- What role can the Government play in ensuring a more inclusive workplace environment?
DAY 1 AGENDA
11:30-11:45 | Opening Remarks/Keynote
Representative from the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA)
Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid,
Director General
to be confirmed
11:45- 12:00
Sheikha Suhaila Salem Al Sabah
POD Advocate, Kuwait
12:00 – 12:45 | Panel Discussion
Eman Abushabab
Community Outreach Manager
Dubai Autism Centre, UAE
Topic: Towards an Autism-Friendly Community
12:45 – 13:05
Dr. Monira Aldhahi
Consultant Physical Therapy at KAAH,
Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences,
College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia
Topic: Telehealth and a Model of Exercise and sports service delivery system for People with Disabilities
Dr. Nourah Alothman
Assistant Professor of Audiology
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
Saudi Arabia
Topic: Hearing abilities for people with disabilities
12:45 – 13:05
Dr. Reem Basuodan
Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences, Head of the
foundation year of Medical Colleges, Neuro
physiotherapist consultant, College of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences Princess Nourah bint
Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia
Topic: Rehabilitation and physiotherapy for people with disabilities
12:30 – 12:45 | Presentation
Representative from Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)
To be confirmed (invited)
12:45 – 13:00 | Presentation
Representative from du
To be confirmed (invited)
13:00 – 13:15
Presentation
Representative from Nakheel
To be confirmed (invited)
13:15 – 13:30
Presentation
Representative from Emirates Autism Society
To be confirmed (invited)
13:30 – 14:15 | SESSION BREAK
14:15 – 14:25
Dr. Ali Alamri
Nourah health program Director
Princess Nourah University, Saudi Arabia
Community support and empowerment strategies for people with disabilities
Community Mobilization (CM) is defined as a process of building the capacity of communities to plan,
carry out, and evaluate activities in a participatory and sustained way in order to improve their health.
14:25 – 14:35
Telehealth and a Model of Exercise and sports service delivery system for People with Disabilities
The development of a model of rehabilitation exercise and sports service delivery system for the health
promotion of people with disabilities is a significant step towards fostering inclusive and equitable
healthcare opportunities.
Dr. Monira Aldhahi
Consultant Physical Therapy at KAAH,
Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences,
College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia
14:35 – 14:50
Dr. Laila Hareb Almheiri
CEO
Alive Group, UAE
Holistic approach in managing sleep for sensory-challenged children
The holistic approach to managing sleep for sensory-challenged children encompasses various aspects
of their physical, emotional, and sensory well-being to effectively address sleep issues. The main goal is
to develop an individualized plan that enhances the child’s sleep quality and overall health.
14:50 – 15:05
Mr. Elie Ghoussoub, Director
Accessibility, Safety & Inclusion Consultancy
DASS Solutions, UAE
15:05 – 15:20
Ms. Pretty Kumar
CEO
Deque Software, India
Foster a Culture of Inclusion with Ethical, AI-powered Accessibility Testing Tools
Testing for digital accessibility can be a complex, nuanced process that requires experience with assistive
technologies. Depending on the goals of your organization and who you serve, you might also face a
number of changing compliance or legal guidelines and tight deadlines to achieve them.
15:20 – 15:35
Ms. Wemmy de Makker
Director
Mawaheb, UAE
Topic: Inclusion, Art Therapy & Mawaheb
15:35 – 15:50
TBC
15:50 – 16:10
Presentation
TBC
16:30 | END OF DAY 1
DAY 2 | TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
10 OCTOBER 2023
Technology and Innovations are improving mobility and ease of access for People with Disabilities. Providing access to the right technology, quickly and cost-effectively is important to removing many of the current challenges and barriers that People with different kinds of Disabilities face in different aspects such as travel and tourism, workplace, education, and telecommunications. Accessible Technology is advancing rapidly, with global technology leaders, SMEs, and entrepreneurs launching new game-changing solutions that give People with Disabilities more independence, control, and opportunity.
- What are the latest technology and innovations available for People with Disabilities?
- What are the key barriers to making the latest technology available to everyone?
- How can Governments and Corporations work together to subsidize the cost of assistive technology?
- What role can universities play in developing research and innovation centres for the disabilitysector?
- Can People with Disabilities imagine a day when everything they need exists in one space?
- How can innovations in technology help People with Disabilities live better, more independent lives?
- How can Assistive Technology enhance the economic contribution of People with Disabilities in society?
- How can we make it more profitable for companies to develop new technologies for People with Disabilities so it is prioritized for R&D spend?
- What are the consumer technologies making the lives of People with Disabilities more enjoyable?
- How can accessible technology help increase diversity and inclusion as the number of people in need of assistive products rises above 3.4 billion by 2050?
- What efforts are tech behemoths and startups making to build accessibility services onto their
devices?
DAY 2 AGENDA
11:00-11:15 | Opening Remarks/Keynote
Representative from the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA)
To be confirmed
11:15 – 12:00 | Panel Discussion
Representatives from:
Dubai Police (invited)
Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) (invited)
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs-Dubai (GDRFA-Dubai) (invited)
Dubai Youth Council (invited)
12:00 – 12:20
ACA France (invited)
Mr. Ramin Yahvavi Gilani
CEO
Gilani Mobility Solutions
Specialist, UAE
Placing importance on accessible environments and the rights of individuals with disabilities
championing their dignity and inclusion
It is important to take a holistic approach and create a roadmap to successfully educate and implement
transfer mobility services, specialized vehicles, assistive technology, skilled personnel, and accessible
infrastructure. Society’s emphasis on accessible transportation aligns with the vital objective of ensuring
equal opportunities.
12:20 – 12:50 | Panel Discussion (Korea Pavilion)
Mr. Sanghwan Choi
Managing Director
CYD Information, Korea
Introduction to DreamPhone with Case of Neurodevelopmental Disorder Activist. Why we made
DreamPhone?
Mr. Charlie Hyuk Su Shin
Head Executive Director
DOT Corporation, Korea
Inclusive Smart city
Building an inclusive city is hard, Nevertheless, we must make it for the future. Inclusive cities support the
urban population by creating more welcoming and intuitive places that help increase the quality of life and
create a more positive experience of the built environment and public spaces for special needs, especially
people of Determination and older adults.
12:50 – 13:20
Panel Discussion (Denmark Pavilion)
Denmark Pavilion Representatives
Jens Gafar, Partner, No Limits
Accessibility, Denmark
13:20 – 14:00 | SESSION BREAK
14:00 – 14:15 | Presentation
Representative from Manafeth Mobility Solutions
14:15 – 14:30
Ms. Sara Claver Cervantes
Project Manager
Implaser by Naffco, Spain
NaviLens and NaviLens GO
Two systems designed to empower people with disabilities — New technologies provide us with the
opportunity to enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Connectivity and telecommunications have
opened numerous options for individuals with disabilities to alleviate their communication, mobility, and
information-related challenges.
14:30 – 15:15
Ms. Silvia Fernandez
Manager Assessments & Accreditations,
ACI World, Canada
ForsaTek (Invited)
Building a Network of Accessible Airports
15:15 – 15:30
Mr. Bari Hayon
Global Markets & UAE Sales Director
OrCam, Israel
OrCam MyEye & Read 3 innovation
Independence everywhere you go — OrCam Technologies was founded over a decade ago to create lifechanging
“assistive companions” powered by breakthrough artificial intelligence (AI) for people who are
blind or visually impaired and for those with reading and learning differences.
15:30 – 15:45
Mr. Daniel Sadaka
Physiotherapist
PolySpine, Australia
Therapeutic Benefits of PolySpine
15:45 – 16:00
Mr. Mohamad Nuwaila
Director of Sales & Marketing
Nuro ME, UAE
Communication by Brain
NURO MIDDLE EAST LLC. is pleased to introduce to the attendees of AccessAbilities Expo 2023 the
second generation of our groundbreaking NUOS product line, allowing victims of stroke, trauma, and
neurodegenerative diseases to communicate by Brain, instantly and without any surgery of any kind.
NUOS is the only non-invasive architecture in the World today which has been cleared by Health Canada,
multiple US IRBs and the US FDA under the Expanded Access Program.
16:00 – 16:15
Mr. Hunny Bhagchandan
Founder
Torchit, India
Breaking Barriers: Empowering People of Determination through Assistive Technologies
I will explore the transformative power of assistive technologies for people of determination. We will delve
into the crucial role these innovations play in enhancing independence, accessibility, and inclusion.
16:15 – 16:30
Youseff Hesham Naim
CEO
Tapy Card, UAE
16: 45 | END OF DAY 2
DAY 3 | HEALTHCARE & REHABILITATION
11 OCTOBER 2023
Healthcare and Rehabilitation Services for People with Disabilities must be prioritized to enable them to optimize their functioning, minimise the cost of access and live the same stress-free and comfortable life as anyone else. As the health and rehabilitation needs of People with Disabilities increase, society must take a more holistic approach to ensure these needs are met and a long-term strategy is put in place to meet future challenges. Key topics our expert speakers will cover during these sessions include:
- Is rehabilitation a key means to promote longer working lives and delay the need for care for
disabled people and the elderly? - What have been the long-lasting impacts of the pandemic on rehabilitation needs and
capacities? - Does the multidisciplinary nature of rehabilitation need a transversal platform for the exchange
of good practices and for promoting a holistic view of rehabilitation as a pillar of social security? - Should rehabilitation cover all medical, occupational, and social measures that serve People
with Disabilities to gain an appropriate place in occupational and economic life and society? - How does rehabilitation enable people with physical or mental disabilities to overcome barriers
to accessing the right opportunities and help them return to employment? - Is improving community-based rehabilitation services integral to the rehabilitative approach?
- Is rehabilitation an investment with costs and benefits for both the individuals and society?
- Should rehabilitation be made a part of healthcare at all levels?
- Is rehabilitation important to ensure the future of work is inclusive, leaving no one behind?
- How can we ensure the higher healthcare requirements for People with Disabilities are met
adequately and their quality of life is not affected due to inadequate healthcare services? - Why is there still a major gap in healthcare access between people with and without
disabilities?
DAY 3 AGENDA
11:00 – 11:20 – Opening Remarks / Keynote
Representative from the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA)
11:20 – 11:35
Representative from Dubai Health Authority (DHA)
To be confirmed (invited)
11:35 – 11:50
Ms. Ana Lucia Frutuoso, Occupational Therapist
Founder & CEO
ZenSenses, Portugal
Snoezelen Approach in Healthcare & Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities OR The
importance of Snoezelen
11:50 – 12:05
Representative from Sanad Village
12:05 – 12:15
Dr. Nourah Alothman
Assistant Professor of Audiology
Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University
Saudi Arabia
Hearing abilities for people with disabilities
According to the World Health Organization, it has been estimated that 1.5 billion people have some
degree of hearing loss globally, and this estimation is projected to rise to 2.5 billion by 2050. It is known
that hearing loss is associated with poorer health-related quality of life, social isolation, depression, and
cognitive decline.
12:15 – 12:25
Dr. Reem Basuodan
Assistant Professor of Rehabilitation Sciences, Head of the
foundation year of Medical Colleges, Neuro
physiotherapist consultant, College of Health and
Rehabilitation Sciences Princess Nourah bint
Abdulrahman University, Saudi Arabia
Rehabilitation and physiotherapy for people with disabilities
The workshop aims to educate people with disabilities about the roles of rehabilitation and physiotherapy
in order to assist them in their daily activities and to reach the best health practice in convenient ways
which suit their disabilities.
12:25 – 12:40
Dr. Faiza Othman Aba Alkhail
Al Waleed, Saudi Arabia
12:40 – 12:55
Mr. Jasper Rogmans
Sales & Marketing Manager Vicair
/ Maxxcare
The Netherlands
A Journey of Innovation, Dedication & Transformation at Vicair & Maxxcare
We are eager for the chance to share our Global Healthcare and Rehabilitation journey with you at Vicair &
Maxxcare. Our story is one of innovation, dedication, and transformation in the realm of healthcare and
rehabilitation solutions. Over the years, we have strived to make a positive impact on the lives of
individuals by providing cutting-edge products and services that enhance their well-being and quality of
life.
12:55 – 13:10
Mr. Mijbel Al-Swait
CEO
Nordic Homecare Solutions, UAE
How can investments in accessible society improve the social life quality of individuals and
enhance the society’s welfare?
We know how important community and bonding with others are to the rehabilitation process, and that
you don’t go through rehabilitation alone. Rehabilitation and reintegration will be a kind of “restoration
of the disabled individual” to society and will always be unique and should be based on the individual’s
desires and dreams for the future, but in the societies where you experience rehabilitation,
interdependence and the opportunity to create a new and different identity that is not only associated
for example with psychological/physical difficulties and social problems.
13:10 – 13:25
Ms. Rana J. Taibah
CEO
Prince Sultan Rehabilitation Complex (EFAA)
Saudi Arabia
تطويع نموذج العمل لغايات المنظمة الاستراتيجية
الرئيس التنفيذي لمجمع الأمير سلطان للتأهيل / إيفاء، عضو مجلس إدارة المجلس التخصصي لجمعيات ذوي
الإعاقة في المملكة ، عضو مجلس إدارة الإتحاد السعودي للأولمبياد الخاص ، شريك مؤسس لشركة يونويا
، للاستشارات والكوتشنج
13:25 – 13:40
Dr. Ayman W. El-Hattab, MD, FAAP, FACMG
Founder & President
MENA Organization for Rare Diseases, UAE
MENA Organization for Rare Diseases
MENA Organization for Rare Diseases has been established to serve and support people with rare
diseases in the region of Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The goals of MENA Organization for
Rare Diseases are to educate and spread knowledge about rare diseases, connect patients and
doctors to exchange knowledge and experience, and support people with rare diseases and their
families.
13:40 – 13:55
Dr. Hidaia Al Najjar
Pharmacist In charge & Certified Life Coach
UAE
Supplements, Vitamins & Autism
Vitamins and supplements are important for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders due
to several reasons, such as selective eating habits and sensory sensitivity to food taste, smell, or
texture, which can lead to nutritional deficiency in their diet. Also a weakened immune system and an
increased tendency to infections.
14:00 | END OF DAY 3
For inquiries, please contact:
Ditas Pascual
General Coordinator
Mobile: +971 56 507-5187
Email: ditas@accessabilitiesexpo.com