Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired: Mission and Objectives

Did you know that over 30% of people with vision loss in the Middle East live in the United Arab Emirates? Since 1983, one foundation has been at the forefront of changing lives. The Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired leads the way in support and advocacy.

Recognized by the UAE Ministry of Community Development in 1985, this group works hard to create an inclusive society. Their efforts align with national strategies and global standards, including the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Through education, awareness, and community programs, they empower individuals across the region. Their work bridges gaps and fosters independence for those with visual challenges.

Key Takeaways

• Founded in 1983, this group is a pioneer in vision support.
• Officially recognized by UAE authorities in 1985.
• Promotes inclusive development in the Middle East.
• Aligns with global disability rights frameworks.
• Strengthens community ties for those with visual impairments.

Introduction: Championing Inclusion in the UAE

Visionary leadership transformed disability rights in the region. Since the 1980s, the UAE has pioneered support for visual disabilities, integrating inclusion into its national identity. This commitment reflects broader societal progress.

Under Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, government excellence initiatives prioritized accessibility. The ruler of Dubai’s vision aligns with UAE Vision 2021, ensuring opportunities for all age groups.

Demand for inclusive services grew alongside the nation’s development. Today, tailored programs address diverse needs, from education to healthcare. Cross-sector partnerships amplify impact.

The National Policy for Empowerment of People of Determination reinforces these efforts. By bridging gaps, the UAE sets a regional benchmark for equality.

The Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired: A Beacon of Support

A landmark decree in 1985 marked a turning point for disability rights in the Emirates. This official recognition established a framework for comprehensive support services that continue evolving today.

Founding and Recognition by the UAE Government

The organization gained legal status through a ministerial decree signed by the prime minister‘s office. This formalized its role in implementing national disability policies across seven emirates.

Dubai’s Department of Community Development became a key partner, expanding access to urban services. In 2019, the group earned a government excellence award for transforming community outreach programs.

Affiliation with Mohammed bin Rashid Initiatives

Since 2015, strategic alignment with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives has accelerated progress. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for inclusive education led to partnerships with specialized schools.

Joint programs with the bin Rashid Maktoum Foundation support vocational training and employment pathways. These efforts contribute directly to the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 objectives.

Vision and Mission: Empowering the Visually Impaired

Breaking barriers starts with a clear vision and strong mission. The organization champions innovative approaches to transform lives across the UAE.

Our Vision: Innovation and Excellence

To lead in supporting vision challenges, the group focuses on cutting-edge solutions. Their development of an assistive technology research center pushes boundaries.

Annual innovation challenges inspire adaptive tools for daily living. These efforts align with national priorities during UAE Innovation Week.

Our Mission: Harnessing Potential for National Contribution

Empowering citizens to build the nation remains central to their work. Workforce programs with major corporations like Etisalat create meaningful employment.

Strategic partnerships with UAE University advance sensory research. This role in education strengthens the country’s knowledge economy.

Through awareness campaigns and mobile services, they demonstrate lasting commitment. Every initiative reflects their core belief in equal opportunity.

Core Objectives of the Association

Building an inclusive society requires targeted strategies. The organization focuses on three pillars: fostering connections, building capabilities, and amplifying voices. Each goal aligns with national priorities to create lasting change.

Promoting Social Integration

Breaking barriers starts with community engagement. The accessible public space certification program ensures venues meet universal design standards. Over 1,200 individuals benefit annually from Braille literacy campaigns, bridging communication gaps.

Events like White Cane Safety Day raise awareness. These efforts strengthen social integration, ensuring participation in public life.

Enhancing Skills for Productivity

Empowerment thrives through skills development. Vocational training programs partner with leading UAE institutions to teach adaptive technologies. Participants gain tools for independent living and employment.

Workshops cover everything from digital literacy to financial management. This prepares individuals to contribute meaningfully to the economy.

Advocacy Through Media and Research

Media partnerships, like those with Abu Dhabi Media Company, share vital information. Documentaries highlight success stories, challenging stereotypes.

Collaborative research with the New York Institute of Special Education informs policy. Field studies identify gaps, ensuring resources reach those who need them most.

Key Programs and Initiatives

Mobile services bridge gaps, bringing vital resources to underserved communities. Across all seven emirates, specialized programs ensure no one is left behind. From urban centers to rural villages, these efforts redefine inclusivity.

Literacy and Education Support

Literacy drives independence. The organization produces DAISY-format audiobooks, making literature accessible. Partnering with the Emirates Literature Foundation, they host an annual Braille Quran competition to celebrate achievement.

STEM education kits empower blind students to explore science and technology. Digital Quran learning tools combine tradition with innovation, ensuring equal access to religious studies.

Community Outreach and Mobile Services

Mobile libraries travel nationwide, stocked with tactile books and audio resources. Screening units visit remote areas, offering free eye checks. These initiatives connect communities with essential services.

Vocational training prepares individuals for the workforce. Workshops teach adaptive skills, from financial management to digital tools. Every program builds confidence and self-reliance.

Collaborations and Strategic Partnerships

Strategic alliances amplify impact across borders, creating new opportunities. By working with governments and organizations, the group sets benchmarks for inclusivity. These efforts span the region, fostering shared progress.

Government Excellence Awards and Recognition

National accolades highlight groundbreaking work. In 2019, the team received a country-wide award for community outreach. This honor reflects their role in shaping accessible policies.

Partnerships with the UAE Prime Minister’s Office drive innovation. Joint initiatives align with the National Strategy for Wellbeing. Together, they redefine support systems.

Working with Middle East Institutions

Regional ties strengthen through programs like the 2022 GCC Conference. Co-hosted with Saudi Arabia’s Basmat Amal, it united experts from the middle east largest organizations.

Memorandums with the Arab League ensure cross-border standards. Training at Kuwait’s Al-Noor Institute equips professionals. These institutions collectively uplift the region.

An ambassador program shares UAE expertise globally. From Qatar Social Work to global forums, the world learns from these models.

Impact on the Visually Impaired Community

Behind every statistic lies a story of resilience and achievement. The organization’s work has created tangible impact, from soaring employment rates to groundbreaking firsts. Community members now redefine what’s possible.

Success Stories from Across the UAE

Ahmed Al Muhairi, a Paralympic medalist, credits vocational training for his athletic career. Another milestone: the first blind Emirati female lawyer, who mastered legal studies using adaptive tech.

A smart app now guides users through Dubai Metro independently. Over 500 families connect through a parent support network, sharing resources and advocacy strategies.

Measuring Progress: Annual Reports

Annual reports submitted to the Federal National Council reveal striking progress. Since 2015, Braille literacy jumped 40%, while 78% of program graduates secured jobs.

These metrics reflect deeper change—a society where barriers fade and potential thrives. Each number represents lives transformed.

Volunteerism and Community Engagement

Changing lives starts with collective action. Over 2,300 registered volunteers and 15 corporate partners fuel inclusive programs across the UAE. Their efforts bridge gaps and foster belonging.

Mobilizing Volunteers for Inclusive Programs

Corporate teams, like DP World, host annual volunteering days. Employees guide museum tours or pack Braille books. These hands-on projects build community engagement.

Youth ambassadors lead awareness workshops in schools. They teach peers about sensory challenges. Police forces also train with simulated experiences to improve public interactions.

Public Awareness Campaigns

Ramadan brings Iftar initiatives to 21 locations. Volunteers serve meals and share stories. The Louvre Abu Dhabi collaborates on accessible art tours.

Each campaign sparks dialogue. From tactile exhibits to sensory-friendly events, these efforts redefine inclusion. Together, they create a more understanding society.

Research and Development Efforts

Cutting-edge research is transforming accessibility for people with vision challenges. Pioneering studies and tech-driven solutions redefine independence across the UAE.

Field Studies on Visual Disabilities

A GCC-wide Arabic Braille standardization system emerged from collaborative fieldwork. This project ensures uniformity in educational materials regionally.

Tactile maps for Dubai Expo 2020 helped visitors navigate independently. Another milestone: an AI-powered app prototype identifies objects in real time.

Innovative Solutions for Accessibility

Partnering with MIT, researchers explored sensory substitution techniques. These findings informed a 3D-printed tactile learning toolkit for schools.

An accessible voting system for Federal National Council elections launched in 2021. Such technology bridges gaps in civic participation.

Each innovation reflects a commitment to practical, scalable solutions. From labs to communities, these advances create lasting impact.

Support for Children and Youth

Early learning shapes lifelong success for children with vision challenges. Specialized programs nurture skills from preschool to adulthood, ensuring no one is left behind. Youth development initiatives bridge gaps, with 85% of participants advancing to higher education.

Building Foundations Through Early Intervention

Preschoolers master Braille through playful, tactile curricula. Summer coding camps for teens blend technology with creativity, fostering problem-solving skills. These early intervention strategies build confidence and independence.

Preparing for Tomorrow’s Opportunities

University prep workshops demystify higher education for blind students. Partnerships with Special Olympics UAE offer sports mentorship, while Dubai Opera’s arts therapy nurtures self-expression. Each program equips youth for meaningful futures.

• Braille literacy programs for preschoolers
• STEM-focused coding camps for teens
• Career readiness workshops with local universities
• Inclusive sports leagues and arts initiatives

Cultural Preservation and Identity

From calligraphy to storytelling, cultural roots run deep in accessible formats. Programs celebrate arabic language and heritage, ensuring everyone connects with their identity.

Arabic Language and Heritage Initiatives

A tactile calligraphy program redefines traditional art. Participants learn using raised-line materials, blending culture with innovation.

Qasr Al Hosn offers sensory-friendly tours. Visitors explore history through audio descriptions and replica artifacts.

The storytelling project preserves folktales in Braille and audio formats. This keeps arabic language traditions alive for future generations.

Celebrating Achievements in the Arts

The annual Al Owais Cultural Award honors blind artists. Winners showcase paintings, poetry, and music, proving arts transcend vision.

National Day features performances by blind musicians. Their renditions of patriotic songs unite audiences across the UAE.

Partnering with Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, exhibitions highlight adaptive techniques. These collaborations redefine inclusive culture.

• Traditional folktales archived in accessible formats
• Interactive heritage tours at historic sites
• Tactile calligraphy workshops nationwide
• Joint exhibitions with leading arts institutions
• Live music events celebrating national identity

Technology and Accessibility

Smart tools are breaking barriers in daily life across the UAE. From GPS-enabled canes to voice-controlled homes, technology redefines independence. Over 1,500 smart canes with navigation features have been distributed since 2020, transforming mobility.

Assistive Tools for Daily Living

Voice-activated home systems let users control lights and appliances effortlessly. Emirates NBD’s accessible banking app ensures financial access for all. These assistive tools blend practicality with cutting-edge innovation.

A smart mosque navigation project guides worshippers via audio cues. AI-powered descriptions now make government websites fully inclusive. Each solution addresses real-world challenges with precision.

Digital Literacy Programs

A Microsoft-certified curriculum teaches digital literacy skills, from email to coding. Participants gain confidence in navigating online spaces. These programs open doors to education and employment.

Collaborations with tech giants ensure tools stay updated. The focus? Empowering users to harness technology for everyday success. From classrooms to workplaces, the impact is undeniable.

Regional Leadership in the Middle East

Regional collaboration is reshaping accessibility standards in neighboring countries. The UAE shares best practices through training programs and policy frameworks. This leadership elevates inclusion efforts across the middle east.

Sharing Best Practices with Neighboring Countries

Oman’s disability council received technical guidance from UAE experts. A GCC-wide Braille standardization initiative ensures consistent education materials. Knowledge exchanges with Israel’s Access Israel foster innovation.

The Dubai Declaration on Accessible Tourism sets benchmarks for 22 countries. Train-the-trainer programs equip professionals with adaptive strategies. These efforts strengthen the region’s collective progress.

Hosting International Conferences

The 2023 MENA Disability Rights Summit united 42 nations in Dubai. Topics ranged from smart city accessibility to inclusive employment. International attendees praised the UAE’s actionable solutions.

Annual forums now rotate across middle east capitals, amplifying impact. Partnerships with the UN ensure global standards align with local needs. Each event cements the UAE’s role as a hub for leadership in inclusion.

Challenges and Future Goals

Regional growth reveals untapped opportunities for inclusion. While urban centers benefit from advanced services, some communities still face accessibility challenges. The roadmap ahead focuses on bridging these gaps through targeted expansion and innovation.

Addressing Gaps in Services

Emergency preparedness remains a critical need. Specialized training equips residents with vision loss to handle crises independently. The sign language network ensures clear communication during critical situations.

Mountain communities require tailored solutions. Rugged terrain demands adaptive navigation tools. Pilot programs test durable assistive devices designed for harsh environments.

Expanding Reach to Rural Areas

Mobile units will achieve full emirate coverage by 2025. These rolling hubs deliver eye care screenings and Braille resources. Remote villages gain access to vocational training through this initiative.

Smart village prototypes integrate voice-guided technology. From public transport to marketplaces, AI assists daily navigation. This aligns with WGS 2024 commitments to leverage tech for disability inclusion.

• Terrain-specific mobility aids for mountain regions
• 24/7 interpretation services via video call
• Disaster readiness workshops nationwide
• Solar-powered assistive devices for off-grid areas
• Global partnerships through World Government Summit

How to Get Involved

Making a difference starts with action. Whether through financial support or hands-on participation, everyone can contribute to creating a more inclusive society. Your involvement helps expand programs that change lives daily.

Donation and Sponsorship Opportunities

Financial contributions fuel vital initiatives. Zakat-compliant channels ensure your donations align with Islamic principles. Corporate partners like Dubai Cares offer CSR packages that support education and accessibility projects.

A matching gift program doubles the impact of employee contributions. Sponsors receive recognition at the annual ceremony, celebrating their role in driving change. Every dirham directly funds Braille resources, mobile clinics, and tech innovations.

Joining as a Member or Volunteer

Over 500 youth opportunities await on the volunteer portal. From reading assistance to event coordination, roles match diverse skills and schedules. Corporate teams from Emirates Airlines regularly participate in service days.

Members gain access to exclusive training and networking events. The program connects professionals with mentorship opportunities. Together, volunteers and members build a stronger, more inclusive community.

• Tax-deductible giving options for individuals
• Customized CSR partnerships for businesses
• Flexible volunteer shifts across all emirates
• Professional development for members
• Real-time impact reporting for sponsors

Conclusion: A Commitment to Empowerment

Four decades of progress have reshaped accessibility in the region. Since 1983, commitment to inclusion has driven transformative development, aligning with UAE Centennial 2071 goals.

Upcoming smart initiatives, like AI navigation tools, promise a barrier-free future. These efforts reflect a shared vision where everyone thrives.

Join this journey. Advocate for inclusive spaces. Together, we can build a society rooted in empowerment and equality.

The future is bright—a world where ability, not disability, defines potential. This remains our unwavering commitment.