Abu Dhabi has launched a comprehensive five-year strategy for people of determination aiming to create an integrated and enabling environment for them with the participation of over 28 local and federal government entities.

Launched by the Department of Community Development (DCD) in Abu Dhabi, the strategy for People of Determination 2020-2024 is in line with DCD’s vision to provide every member of society with a good quality of life, reported Emirates News Agency WAM.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said: "Today’s launch of the Comprehensive Strategy for People of Determination re-affirms our commitment to inclusion, equality and empowerment for all members of UAE society, upholding everyone’s right to participate fully and with dignity in our community."

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, said: "Abu Dhabi’s Comprehensive Strategy for People of Determination is an essential step towards further integration and empowerment of this vital community group, to unleash their full potential as key players in our nation’s development and future achievements."

The strategy addresses People of Determination’s needs at all stages of life, including health, rehabilitation, education, employment, social care and social security, as well as social engagement, sports, culture and tourism.

The strategy also focuses also on creating an accessible and enabling environment across buildings, facilities, transportation, housing and other services. Overall, the strategy addresses key enablers including quality of services and financial sustainability to support the People of Determination and their families within an integrated framework that enables their social participation.

The People of Determination strategy has adopted key principles that are consistent with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which follows practices that support People of Determination’s rights as well as the community’s perspective on disabilities. This is an indicator that challenges for People of Determination exist not within themselves, but are a result of the surrounding environment, societal behaviours and current systems.

In addition, the strategy emphasises the importance of sharing the responsibility of integrating People of Determination within all policies, programmes and services provided by authorities across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. The importance of the role of People of People of Determination is emphasised in the execution of and roll-out of the strategies, for which they will be take up leadership roles.

The strategy will be implemented by six working teams, including: -Health and rehabilitation team led by the Department of Health; -Education team led by the Department of Education and Knowledge; -Employment team led by the Human Resources Authority; -Social Care team led by Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination; -Accessibility team led by the Department of Municipalities and Transport; -Enablers team led by the Department of Community Development.

Each team will include the relevant local and federal governmental entities, as well as representatives from the private sector, and the social sector, including People of Determination associations in Abu Dhabi, in order to involve People of Determination and their families in the process.

As the lead team, the Department of Community Development will provide the necessary support to the participating teams to ensure that coordination and communication is maintained. DCD will also oversee and regulate overall performance and execution in order to achieve the strategy’s goals.

The Comprehensive Strategy for People of Determination is in line with the 2030 plan for the social sector, which involves three major components: -To provide all members of the community with a good standard of living and housing in the emirate of Abu Dhabi; -Build cohesive family units as an essential part of a tolerant and inclusive community that enables all community members, in order to create a happy and secure environment; -Create an active and responsible community by motivating individuals to participate in helping in the community, and to stay active and health conscious.