The Ministry of Family is presenting a portfolio of innovative programmes and smart solutions for People of Determination at the 8th edition of the AccessAbilities Expo, which opened today at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Under the theme “Integrating Communities, Enabling Lives”, the Ministry’s showcase covers early detection of autism spectrum disorder in children, vocational rehabilitation, skills development and labour market readiness. The programmes reflect a strategy to link early detection, rehabilitation, capability development and career pathways, with healthcare, social, educational and private sector institutions working together.
Developed with Emirates Health Services, an AI-powered pilot application is currently under evaluation and testing. It aims to screen for potential indicators of autism in children aged 18 to 24 months, with an estimated screening time of two to three minutes. Specialists from Al Amal Psychiatric Hospital are demonstrating how it works and answering visitor questions.
Visitors can also try several interactive experiences:
The “Silent Challenge” simulates communication barriers faced by people with hearing impairments and introduces the sign language alphabet. In hands-on workshops, students from rehabilitation centres guide participants in making magnetic keepsakes decorated with designs created by People of Determination. The “Virtual Elevator” traces the vocational rehabilitation journey from skills assessment to training and production. In cooperation with ImInclusive, a simulated recruitment experience includes a practical task, a short interview and a candidate profile summary, with adjustments that let employers assess real abilities.
Sana bint Mohammed Suhail, Minister of Family, said the Expo is a vital platform for showcasing progress in empowering People of Determination. She said advances in assistive technologies and rehabilitation create new opportunities to deliver tailored services, and that the Ministry is expanding its local and international partnerships to widen access to education, employment and community participation.
She added that the efforts support the “We the UAE 2031” vision and reinforce the UAE’s position as a leading model for empowerment and inclusion.
The pavilion also lets visitors consult specialists, propose service improvements and share their needs, so that People of Determination and their families help shape the services provided to them.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
