Webinar discusses ideas for a better society
SHARJAH: Manal Ataya, Director-general of the Sharjah Museums Authority, SMA, recently engaged with two inspirational speakers in a webinar dedicated to highlighting the role of Arab women who are devoted to contributing to greater awareness, social responsibility and policy change for persons with disabilities.
Coinciding with the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the webinar which was hosted on 2nd Dec, 2020, by the Good Society Forum, digitally connects change-makers from around the world, engages them on ideas and inspires action to build a good society.
During the panel discussion, which was hosted by Emma Sky, the co-founder of the Good Society Forum, and moderated by co-founder Nizam Uddin, Ataya highlighted the UAE’S efforts and experience in providing beter inclusion of people with disabilities and ensuring their full equal rights are protected.
“The UAE, particularly Sharjah, is a model for the inclusion of persons with disabilities which has made great strides in empowering people with disability and ensuring their full integration into society with full access to healthcare, education and employment under UAE law,” Ataya said.
Ataya praised the efforts of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and his wife, H.H Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, who have placed the inclusion and wellbeing of people with disabilities at the top of the emirate’s social, human and economic development agenda.
“The Sharjah Museums Authority has launched several initiatives and tailored programmes specifically designed for children and adults with different disabilities over the past six years as accessibility is central to our mission in our museums,” she said.
Ataya highlighted some of the initiatives and programmes of the Authority that are aimed at the inclusion of people with disabilities, including guided tours for the hearing impaired, the blind and special programmes for autistic children.
Several SMA museums recently received the “Accessible for Disability Certificate” from the World Disability Union. More museums will follow next year ater meeting all regulations and guidelines for disabled-friendly amenities and considerations.
Ataya stressed the need for assessing the situation of people with disabilities and identifying their most important barriers.