Sedra Foundation has launched its first internship programme for young adults with disabilities, which will run at an upcoming exhibition.

 

The AccessAbilities Expo 2016 will run from February 9 to 11 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

 

Work experiences will include welcoming guests, aiding registration, ushering, and assisting throughout the expo. 

 

With the support of Info Salons Middle East and Turkey, this is the first time that persons with disabilities have been included in the ground operations. 

 

The expo is showcasing services and products for persons with disabilities.

 

It aims to facilitate inclusion and integration of more than 50 million people with disabilities across the Middle East. The expo is being organised by Reed Exhibitions Middle East and Nadd AlShiba PR & Event Management.

 

Reem Al Fahim, chief executive officer, Sedra Foundation, an Abu Dhabi hub for the most current research and best practices for the inclusion of persons with disabilities, said: “Internship programmes are very important to develop vocational skills of young adults with disabilities through real work life practical experiences that help them explore and improve their latent abilities, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills paving the way to successful careers and independence. 

 

"A total of 11 interns are participating in this program:  five from Abu Dhabi and six from Dubai."

 

Equipped with comprehensive skills about interactions with customers acquired through  the  intense customised Sedra training, they will work in a UAE Intern All Star Team.

 

Sedra also provided a disability etiquette training for REED Exhibitions staff who are organising and managing the expo. 

 

Dedicated to empowering persons with disabilities during the expo and beyond, feedback from Reed staff who attended the training was very positive with one REED employee saying: "The greatest benefit was learning how not to restrict your perception of persons with disabilities."

 

The impact of Sedra’s inclusive training is however not confined to this event, but will resonate to all other events in the UAE by changing the approach and standard for inclusion. - TradeArabia News Service