Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has launched 'Elkayt,' an initiative aimed at empowering people with disabilities and preparing them to join the workforce.

Not only does the 'ElKayt' programme provide job opportunities for people with disabilities but it extends to rehabilitation and training, mentoring and developing the skills that contribute to personal and professional development, said a top official.

Khaled Al Kamda, director general of the CDA in Dubai, said, “We believe that empowering people with disabilities is one of the most important duties imposed on society along with the governmental and private sectors.'

'This segment of the society should be treated like the rest of the community and we should make use of their capabilities especially that they have proven to show remarkable potential in the workplace when given the chance,' he added.

Al Kamda pointed out that despite the great efforts and the many initiatives launched by the UAE in general and Dubai in particular in the area of integrating people with disabilities in the community, the reality proves the existence of a gap between the aspirations of the government in this area and the number and nature of jobs available in the labor market for them.

“We at the CDA have taken on the role of being the missing link between people with disabilities who have the basic qualifications and are able to work and the authorities and establishments in both the public and private sectors,” he added.

'Elkayt is the Arabic name for a small boat attached to a ship, serving as a vital link between the ship and the port. Although small in size, the boat is immensely resourceful during emergencies,' Al Kamda explained.

'The launch of the 'Elkayt' programme to employ people with disabilities meets the requirements of social development, and is in line with the strategic objectives of the CDA,' he noted.

'We will continue our support for this category to enable and activate their role in society in various fields to achieve a solid and interdependent community,' he added.

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Butti Al Maktoum, CEO – Social Care, said the objective of Elkayt programme was not only to find a suitable job for people with disabilities, but also help evaluate and measure individual performance.

'The programme assists in finding jobs that suit the abilities and skills of the people. Vocational guidance and individual follow-up will ensure continuity to their personal development,' he added.-TradeArabia News Service