More than 150 exhibitors will showcase smart solutions, technologies and facilities for people with disabilities at the upcoming AccessAbilities 2016, a first-of-its-kind expo in Dubai, UAE.

Over 750 million individuals with disabilities and special needs worldwide, 50 million of whom are in the Middle East, get an opportunity to explore world’s latest and best smart solutions and services at the event running from February 8-10, 2016, at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The expo will be supported by key government bodies including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Dubai Municipality, Community Development Authority (CDA), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, and Dubai Customs as the strategic partners along with private sector organisations in technology, telecommunication, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, tourism, education, infrastructure, facilities management and other areas from more than 30 countries.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, who is the Patron for AccessAbilities, said: “The expo will contribute to realizing this vision by bringing in the best of solutions, services and products from across the globe on a common platform.”

“The expo is also aimed at further inspiring government authorities and private sector to integrate individuals with disabilities and special needs into the society by helping them overcome their daily challenges and ensuring their services are easily accessible to this growing segment of our community,” he added.

AccessAbilities is being organised by Reed Exhibitions and Nadd AlShiba PR and Event Management.  The exhibition will be spread over an area of 8,000 sq m and will feature a Knowledge Centre along with dedicated activity areas.

From robotics, special purpose computers, specialized software for communication to inclusive learning material and aids, prosthetics, positioning devices and other assistive and rehabilitative technology, AccessAbilities 2016 will present the latest smart technologies that can lead individuals with disabilities toward better and independent lives.

AccessAbilities comes at a highly relevant time as countries worldwide deal with the challenge of increase in number of people with disabilities and special needs.

The UAE is taking numerous initiatives aimed at empowering individuals with disabilities and special needs and integrating into the society.

Dubai’s ‘My Community-A City for Everyone’ initiative, is Dubai Government's strategic goal to be the world’s friendliest city for people with special needs by the year 2020.
 The legal and legislative frameworks and initiatives in the UAE aim to enhance services infrastructure that provides access to all the facilities and benefit from all the services, provide excellent health care to people with disabilities, as well as supportive social services, and create a broad societal awareness that contributes to integrating people with disabilities and confirm their participation in community development.
 
All government departments, institutions and bodies across the UAE are taking necessary measures that would lead to concrete and tangible steps to support previous and present positive efforts in this direction.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), for instance, has modified its infrastructure to meet the needs of people with special needs while the Dubai Municipality will be restructuring all major parks in the emirate to make them more accessible and friendly for disabled people within the next two years. The UAE also aims to have sign language and braille commonplace by 2020.
 
Sheikh Hamdan has affirmed that disability cannot be considered a reason to withhold the disabled to positively participate in the society. By bringing the latest technologies, facilities and services that can empower people with disabilities, Access Abilities will contribute to the noble vision of UAE’s leadership to improve lives of individuals with special needs and make them our partner in all our achievements. – TradeArabia News Service