ABU DHABI: – A delegation from the Rehabilitation International (RI), a global organisation and network that empowers persons with determination and provides sustainable solutions toward achieving a more inclusive society for them, commended the care and rehabilitation provided to various categories of people with determination in the UAE, particularly through the programmes, initiatives, and projects of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO).
This came following a visit by the RI delegation, led by its Secretary-General,Teuta Rexhepi, to the headquarters of the ZHO to learn about its experience in the field of care and rehabilitation for various categories of people with determination.
The delegation also sought to understand the services provided by the ZHO, including educational, rehabilitation, psychological, and social care services. They were welcomed by Abdullah Al Hamidan, Secretary-General of the ZHO, and several leaders.
Members of the delegation expressed their admiration fo
r the services provided by the ZHO. They described the services as comprehensive and integrated, expressing pleasure in visiting the ZHO, touring its facilities, meeting with students and educational staff, and learning about the efforts made by all employees to provide care and rehabilitation for people with determination. They affirmed that these efforts demonstrate the UAE’s commitment to providing comprehensive services, whether health or rehabilitation-related for these categories.
Al Hamidan welcomed the delegation’s visit and discussed the ZHO’s preparations for organising and hosting the World Congress on Rehabilitation (WCR 2024), being held in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East for the first time from 23rd to 25th September, 2024, under the theme “Work and Employment.”
The WCR 2024 is three-day event being jointly organised by Rehabilitation International and International Social Security Association (ISSA) and hosted by ZHO at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The overall theme of WCR
2024 is ‘Work and Employment’. The goal is to address the challenges and barriers that people with disabilities face on the job market as well as to build awareness of the broad array of career opportunities available to persons with disabilities worldwide.
Al Hamidan emphasised that hosting the WCR 2024 demonstrates the UAE’s stature and capability, along with its significant success factors for various events and occasions. He highlighted the country’s integrated infrastructure and essential pillars, all under the wise leadership’s support for development and progress in various fields.
During the visit, the delegation received a brief introductory presentation accompanied by visual presentations about the strategic projects, plans, and programmes of ZHO.
The field visit began at “Bee Café” to familiarise the delegation with the first-of-its-kind project in the UAE, a coffee shop run by people of determination. The café has been designated as an international training centre for people with determination
.
The delegation also visited several vocational rehabilitation workshops at the ZHO, including a sewing workshop, which is a pioneering project providing employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual challenges. Additionally, they visited the Beehive Bakery, which offers various baked goods crafted by the skilled hands of people with determination.
The delegation toured the Smart Robotic Rehabilitation Laboratory, the first integrated laboratory in the Middle East for treatment and rehabilitation, located at the ZHO’s headquarters.
The visit also included the therapeutic pool, one of the most advanced therapeutic facilities in the United Arab Emirates. The pool provides aquatic therapy services for individuals with disabilities affiliated with the institution, catering to individuals of various ages and disabilities.
Source: Emirates News Agency