SHARJAH, 24th March, 2017 (WAM)--The sixth International Government Communication Forum (IGCF 2017), hosted on Thursday a special interactive session for people with disabilities.
The event, which concluded in Sharjah, was held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The session, with participation from Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, discussed the current challenges facing the world and the need for the disabled to participate in development programmes, as well as the establishment of a public organisation to benefit people with the disabilities.
Organised in cooperation with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services, the session was moderated by Mohammed bin Dakheen Al-Matroushi, Director of the Media and Communications Department at the UAE Securities and Commodities Authority. It was also attended by disabled individuals from various academic institutions in the UAE.
Participants highlighted the strides achieved by the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in empowering its members for more than three decades, and making them effective and productive members of society, leading to holistic development of the UAE in line with the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDG).
Participants were divided into two groups. Each group discussed ways to achieve the SDGs with a focus on four main pillars – health and wellbeing, suitable jobs and economic growth, reducing inequality, and sustainable communities and cities. The lively debate produced innovative ideas on how to achieve the SDGs in a sustainable society.
The session discussed how people with disabilities can be integrated into mainstream society. It emphasised the UAE's pioneering efforts to empower this important social segment, making the country a role model of social inclusion.
Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi said, "In line with the efforts and directives of the UAE leadership, the International Government Communication Forum stresses the importance of serving all segments of society. We are happy to have people with disabilities participating in the Forum and to provide a platform for them to express what inclusion means to them and affirm their interest in developing innovative solutions to future global challenges.
"We hope that in the future, their participation will not be limited to a private session, but will extend to all sessions. We hope the Government of Sharjah and other national institutions will adopt their recommendations to contribute to the integration of this category into society. Through doing so, they can truly take advantage of the potential this Forum offers, and enable people with disabilities from a human, educational, social and cultural point of view."
Mohammed bin Dakheen Al-Matroushi said, "People with disabilities have a prominent role in the development of society. Today, I have learnt so much from the attendees about their creative ideas that I feel like a student. This is an unprecedented step for the UAE to stimulate innovative ideas among this segment. The participants have put forward many ideas and recommendations that will make the UAE community the first sustainable one of its kind to establish media and communication capabilities among all its members."
He added, "During this Forum, participants with hearing disabilities announced the launch of a mobile application that translates a sign language into Arabic. This will be the first application to activate and facilitate communication between this segment and the rest of society."
The session concluded with several recommendations that provide people with disabilities an opportunity to express their abilities and support the UN's four sustainable development goals that the session focused on. Recommendations included the need to involve people with hearing disabilities and mobility challenges in all initiatives that help enable them and reflect their requirements and rights.
One of the recommendations focussed on teaching the sign language in schools, so that all members of society can communicate seamlessly in sign language with people with disabilities towards building a happy and sustainable society.
The participants also recommended that the TV stations in the UAE should include sign language and language bars at the bottom of the screen for the most important shows. They also recommended issuing the Emirates Code (UAE standard code for the comprehensive environment) for people, institutions and society. The code will be used as a special guide to assist people with disabilities in handling emergencies, crises, disasters and evacuation.