Abilitiesme-logo-hi-res-dates+venue-01Our Publisher, Steve Craven, has spent the day meeting with representatives of ABILITIESme, the first exhibition and conference of its kind in the United Arab Emirates. Taking place in Abu Dhabi from 24 to 26 March 2014, ABILITIESme focuses on the economic, social, educational, and professional empowerment of people with disabilities.

During their meeting, both parties discussed disability worldwide and how organisations and governments can work together to focus on what disabled people can do, not what they can’t.

This event is designed to raise awareness of the many ways to help people with disabilities achieve important goals in school, at university, at work, in sports, and in society. ABILITIESme operates under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mubarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Culture, Youth, and Community Development and Honorary President of the Future Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Nahayan, who will officially open the event on 24 March, has long championed people with disabilities and has declared that:

“We in the United Arab Emirates recognise that everyone is endowed with a unique set of gifts and that each person has the capacity to make an important contribution to society. We are confident that we can and should help all people, whatever their individual needs, in developing so that they will realise their full potential and lead fulfilling lives.”

The three-day event will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and will open daily from 10am to 6 pm. Entrance is free for everyone.

The exhibition will feature local and international exhibitors communicating the latest information on rehabilitation, education, social inclusion, and assistive technology. Special Needs Centres from across the United Arab Emirates will showcase their innovative services and programmes that deal with various disabilities.

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