Table of Contents
Dubai’s Initiative for Unified Services
Dubai’s Community Development Authority (CDA) announces plans to streamline services for people of determination through the DubaiNow application. This initiative, known as the ‘People of Determination Services Package’, aims to centralize support mechanisms provided by government and semi-government entities.
Empowering Talents Through Family Support
The role of family encouragement emerges as a critical factor in harnessing the talents of people of determination. Families have been instrumental in nurturing self-confidence and exploring new avenues for success, as confirmed by several participants and their families.
Showcasing Talent at International Expo
Dr. Sheikha Al Mansouri, Acting Director of the People of Determination Department at the CDA, highlighted the talents of 17 individuals showcased at the eighth International People of Determination Expo. Their skills span various fields such as piano playing, singing, drawing, and crafting.
Dr. Al Mansouri emphasized that investing in these talents is vital for rehabilitation, empowerment, and social integration. She urged public and private sectors to support such initiatives to unlock new opportunities for people of determination, highlighting the family’s pivotal role in talent development.
Innovative Services for Seamless Integration
The CDA’s initiative includes a smart guide for guidance and awareness services, which will electronically link relevant authorities. This integration aims to facilitate smoother transactions and document access through a unified file system. The Sanad card will be central to accessing these services based on the type of disability and individual needs.
Available to all nationalities residing in Dubai, the Sanad card can be accessed by citizens with Dubai IDs living elsewhere, those with IDs from other emirates residing in Dubai, and tourists. This comprehensive approach ensures inclusivity and accessibility.
Building a Comprehensive Database
This year, the CDA embarked on creating an integrated database for people of determination in Dubai. This database encompasses demographic, health, social, and cultural data to tailor services effectively. Although the project was reviewed at the expo, its official launch remains pending.
A unified medical report, consistent with the national classification of disability, was introduced last April. This report, circulated to roughly 4,000 health facilities by the Dubai Health Authority, aims to standardize diagnoses and classifications, reducing data duplication.
Stories of Talent and Aspiration
Artistic Journey of Maitha Yousef
Maitha Yousef, an 18-year-old with a hearing disability, credits her family for her artistic development. Encouraged from a young age, Maitha honed her skills in drawing and handicrafts, later aspiring to study digital media design at the University of Sharjah.
Ghaith Al-Balushi’s Entrepreneurial Dreams
Umm Ghaith shares her son Ghaith Al-Balushi’s journey. Diagnosed with autism, Ghaith’s passion for marine life has been a catalyst for enhancing his communication skills. Supported by his family, he dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, caring for a variety of fish and aspiring to start his own venture.
Zayed Al Zaabi’s Musical Path to Carnegie Hall
Zayed Al Zaabi, a 13-year-old pianist with autism, is preparing for a performance at New York’s Carnegie Hall. His musical journey, supported by his family, began with a small piano to aid occupational therapy. Today, Zayed has performed at prestigious venues, won competitions, and is on the brink of an international debut.
Zayed’s mother, Umm Zayed, reflects on the importance of therapy and educational integration in nurturing his abilities. His academic achievements, coupled with linguistic skills in Chinese and French, underscore the positive impact of a supportive environment.
