By Staff Reporter
DUBAI — The UAE Ministry of Family is showcasing programmes aimed at improving early autism detection, vocational rehabilitation and employment opportunities for People of Determination at the 8th edition of the AccessAbilities Expo, which opened at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 20.
Held under the theme “Integrating Communities, Enabling Lives”, the exhibition features initiatives designed to support People of Determination from early detection and skills development to workplace readiness and employment.
One of the key initiatives is an artificial intelligence-powered pilot application developed in collaboration with Emirates Health Services. The application is undergoing evaluation and testing and is designed to screen children aged 18 to 24 months for potential indicators of autism spectrum disorder within two to three minutes.
Specialists from Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital are demonstrating the application and explaining its operation to visitors.
The Ministry is also presenting interactive experiences designed to raise awareness of disability-related barriers and promote inclusion.
The “Silent Challenge” allows participants to experience communication barriers faced by people with hearing impairments while learning the sign language alphabet. Workshops led by students from rehabilitation centres give visitors an opportunity to make magnetic keepsakes featuring designs created by People of Determination.
Another initiative, the “Virtual Elevator”, demonstrates the vocational rehabilitation process, from skills assessment and training to production.
In partnership with ImInclusive, the Ministry is also offering a simulated recruitment experience in which participants complete a practical task, take part in a short interview and receive a candidate profile summary. The exercise incorporates adjustments intended to help employers assess candidates’ actual abilities.
Minister of Family Sana bint Mohammed Suhail said the Expo provides an important platform to highlight progress in empowering People of Determination.
She said developments in assistive technology and rehabilitation were creating opportunities for more personalised services, adding that the Ministry was expanding local and international partnerships to improve access to education, employment and community participation.
The initiatives support the UAE’s We the UAE 2031 vision, which seeks to strengthen the country’s development and global standing, the Ministry said.
The Ministry’s pavilion also gives visitors an opportunity to consult specialists, suggest service improvements and communicate their needs, with the aim of involving People of Determination and their families in shaping support services.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
