The Department of Community Development has stressed the importance of providing an integrated system of care, support, protection and empowerment for children with Down syndrome in UAE.
“Children with Down syndrome can contribute to our society and be creative and productive, and this day is an opportunity to a call of action to increase and streamline efforts to ensure people of disabilities have access to an inclusive society that enables and empowers them.” said Dr. Bushra Al-Mulla, Executive Director of the Community Development Sector.
“The World Down Syndrome Day, with its slogan for this year: “We Decide”, is an affirmation of the potential of people of with Down syndrome, their active role in society and their right to participate in making decisions that concern them and are relevant to the agenda of people of disabilities. This aligns with the objectives of the department which encourages community participation, regardless of gender, age, disability, language, social or economic status, and in line with the – guiding principles that we have included in the framework of the comprehensive strategy for people of determination in Abu Dhabi”, she added.
“We worked in the department on a comprehensive strategy for people of disabilities in Abu Dhabi with more than 12 relevant entities in the UAE and in consultation with people of disabilities. We expect to announce the strategy in the coming period of this year, and it will include four main pillars, which are: Health and social care, education, employment, inclusive and accessible communities, in addition to 4 enablers: Governance, quality of services, data, research and innovation, and sustainable financing.
“We aim to achieve our vision of “An inclusive society enabling and empowering people of determination” and thus achieving the main goal of our mission, which is to form the base of a tolerant and inclusive society for all groups.” she added.
