(MENAFN- Emirates News Agency (WAM))
ABU DHABI, 4th December, 2017 (WAM) -- As the world marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Sunday, it is heartening to note that the UAE has always remained in the forefront when it comes to the welfare and empowerment of the people of determination.
Continuing a slew of measures aimed at empowerment, the Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in April launched the National Strategy for Empowering People with Special Needs.
In an editorial on Monday, The Gulf Today said, "The policy revolves around 6 pillars including health and rehabilitation, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment, mobility, social protection and family empowerment, and public life and sports.
Sheikh Mohammed also announced the establishment of an advisory board for people of determination, and directed the appointment of a dedicated person in every service-related organisation who will be in charge of facilitating the service of such people.
It was during this event that Sheikh Mohammed declared that people with special needs will henceforth be referred to as "people of determination" to recognise their achievements in different fields.
In March, the UAE Cabinet approved a national strategy to promote the rights of children with special needs and maximise their well-being.
As Minister of Community Development Hessa Essa Buhumaid points out, the welfare of people of determination is an integral part of the social development approach, envisioned by the UAE leadership. The idea is to ensure that they have full access to healthcare, education, employment and importantly, participation in public life.
Consistent efforts are being taken to empower people of determination. For example, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the Ministry of Community Development signed an agreement recently to make 50 job opportunities available for those people of determination in Tas'heel Service Centres, which are managed by the private sector to serve the UAE nationals.
The creation of the People of determination Advisory Council is another huge step to empower this segment and enables them to play an important part in the country's development.
Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 protects the rights of people of determination and guarantees them the right to live with dignity.
Sheikh Mohammed has always maintained that people with determination represent an integral component of UAE's society and have the right to enjoy a happy and dignified life like other community groups.
"The full integration of people of determination and their families has thus remained the UAE's noble goal and it is good that the authorities spare no effort in achieving this," concluded the Sharjah-based daily.
WAM/Esraa Ismail
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