The first workshop of the joint project entitled ‘Accessible Environments for Persons with Disability’ kicked off as part of endeavours to realize the standards & principles of the Universal Design jointly undertaken by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai Government, Community Development Authority (CDA), Roads & Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality (DM) and several property developers. The objective set for the workshop focused on the transformation of Dubai entirely into a disabled-friendly city by 2020 in implementation of the initiative of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council, entitled: “My Community... A City for Everyone.” This project is one of the key deliverables of the Dubai Disability Strategy 2020, launched by HH Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Attending the workshop, which was held at the premises of the Sports Club, Dubai Municipality were Ms. Aysha Miran, Assistant Director General for Administration, Strategy & Governance Sector at the General Secretariat of the Executive Council and Yousef Al Rida, CEO of RTA’s Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector cum Chairman of the team entrusted to transform Dubai into an accessible city for persons with disability, in addition Dr. Salim Al Shaafie, Director of Policies & Programs of the Disabled Rights at the Administration, Strategy & Governance Sector, General Secretariat of the Executive Council. Among the attendees were also hordes of representatives of government & semi-government departments, private sector, disabled persons, property developers and other concerned bodies.
“The first workshop tackled challenges of designing services of public facilities and infrastructure in a way that addresses the needs of this segment & serves the objectives of the project. The workshop saw elaborate discussions covering an array of ideas that set the blueprints for the implementation of the project, which commands high priority of our government considering its contribution to easing the mobility of disabled individuals, besides highlighting their abilities & skills in building & construction,” said Al Rida.
“This workshop is part of several phases comprising the assessment of infrastructures & facilities, drawing up appropriate policies & standards for the disabled, offering an accessible environment, and developing a 5-year plan for customizing all buildings & facilities as well as transit means to the use of the disabled by 2020 in a way that ensures ranking of Dubai as a top disabled-friendly city worldwide. RTA is currently assessing the current situation to identify gaps, examine best global practices, and set out Dubai standards. During the third & fourth quarter of this year, a 5-year transition strategy will be mapped out, the training program will be commissioned, and 4 pilot projects will be undertaken.
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