“ZHO” Joins Rehabilitation International (RI), An Organization That Promotes The Rights of People of Determination At International Scale

Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO)

announced its accession to Rehabilitation International (RI), a worldwide non-profit organization founded in 1992 and working to promote the rights of People of Determination and engage them around the world. RI comprises service providers, government agencies, academics, researchers and advocates working to improve the quality of life of people of determination in 100 countries in all the regions of the world. It provides a forum for the exchange of experience and information on research and practice.

ZHO has received a letter from RI’s Secretariat General accepting ZHO’s application for joining RI, which is considered the first-ever acceptance at the level of states of Middle East and North Africa.

Mrs. Teuta Rexhepi, RI’s Secretary General congratulated ZHO for joining the organization. In this context, she commended the efforts of the UAE and ZHO to provide the best care and rehabilitation for people of determination, and described ZHO’s work as wonderful in advancing the rights of people of determination and engaging them in community.

In her letter, she confirmed that she closely follows ZHO’s work and programs, initiatives and the wide range of comprehensive services provided for the people of determination, expressing great pleasure about receiving ZHO application for joining RI and its interest in being part thereof.

Regarding the organization, Mrs. Teuta Rexhepi said: “Rehabilitation International (RI) has been founded in 1922 and is a worldwide organization comprised of people of determination, service providers, government agencies, academics, researchers and advocates working to improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. Since 10 decades, we at RI have been challenging  the disability concept through elimination of barriers and opening up possibilities for persons with disabilities to achieve their ambitions and dreams”.

“RI comprises a wide range of organizations and agencies operating in the area of rights and services of people with disabilities. We have member organizations in 100 countries, including government agencies and non-government organizations, public and private non-profit rehabilitation service providers, organizations of defense of disabled people, consumer organizations and self-help groups and individuals” she added.

RI provides a forum for exchange of experience and information on research and practice, organizes four-year international conferences, regional conferences and international meetings about disability subjects, in addition to world actions through its members. RI has committees of world-renowned practitioners and experts on disability, which help develop and expand programs and activities according to RI strategic goals.

For his part, His Excellency Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, ZHO’s Secretary-General, emphasized that ZHO’s accession to RI reflects the vision of the UAE in general and Emirate of Abu Dhabi Emirate in particular to serve people of determination, and seeks to  establish cooperation and exchange experience with relevant entities at local, regional and global levels, in respect of development and exchange of experience with different international entities specialized in services provided to the people of determination.

He also asserted that ZHO joined RI with the aim of opening up new areas of cooperation in different fields with several RI’s member specialized organizations and entities, opening up wide horizons for partnerships in a manner that serves people of determination, taking advantage of RI’s forum, conferences and workshops and moving forward on global partnerships in the area of care and rehabilitation of ZHO’s members. In this respect, His Excellency commended all the UAE’s organizations for their unending support of people of determination, which contributes to the advancement of our beloved country, UAE.