Doha, 18 June, 2013

Rumailah Hospital and Mada are helping to connect patients with a disability and those undergoing rehabilitation through an innovative partnership which will give them access to life changing technology.

Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center), founded by ictQatar, and Rumailah Hospital today signed a  Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which will provide a wide range of services around the effective use of Assistive Technology  to patients to enhance their quality of life and move them closer to independent living.

Assistive technology (AT) is technology used by individuals with disabilities in order to perform functions that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. The MoU enables Mada to provide AT services including assessment, training and technical support. As a center that is specialized in accessible computing and the effective use of digital technology, Mada also provides a wide range of technology including adapted keyboards; software that reads text on the screen in a computer-generated voice and even technology that allows people to communicate through a computer that recognizes eye movements.

Around 60 patients - both pediatric and adults- are already benefitting from the agreement and the services have also been extended to the patients at Rumailah's Community-Based Rehabilitation Program.

The MoU was signed today by Mr. Mahmoud Al Raisi, Chief of the Continuing Care Group at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and Mr. David Banes, Chief Executive Officer of Mada.

"The MoU will provide AT services for patients at Rumailah Hospital and across HMC inpatient and outpatient facilities who meet the criteria," said Mr. Al Raisi. "This agreement also provides for our staff who work in rehabilitation services to be trained to use and teach how to use these technologies. Access to assistive technologies is a vital part of rehabilitation and patient care."

Patients who may benefit from AT will be evaluated by both the Rumailah rehabilitation team and a group of AT specialists at Mada to ensure they have access to the technology that can best assist them.

Under the agreement, patients will have easier access to assessment and training services from Mada, which form the cornerstone of the provision process for technologies that support the needs of people with different types of disabilities.

Mr. Banes emphasized the importance of working with Rumailah Hospital to maximize the effective use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to make life easier and smarter for rehabilitation patients in Qatar.

"Through the use of Assistive Technology (AT), people with different needs and abilities are able to connect to the digital world and enjoy a world of opportunities offered by ICT in a way that is accessible and comfortable," Mr. Banes said. "Mada has been committed to connecting disabled people to the world of ICT by providing a comprehensive service which includes assessment and training. Enabling access to Mada's team of AT specialists, and of course to the technology itself, will make a real difference in the lives of patients."

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About Rumailah Hospital
Rumailah Hospital is a multi-specialty hospital that provides medical, surgical and long term care to the population of Qatar. It is part of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and provides a warm, welcoming and healing environment, focused on providing high quality and safe patient centered care. Rumailah's staff are focused on providing education to support the ambition of HMC to become an academic health system; a world leading center of excellence in clinical care, medical education and research that transforms into significant clinical advancements and outcomes. 

Rumailah provides services that are unique such as the burns unit, a prosthetics and orthotics laboratory, a Mental Health Unit, a communicable diseases unit, specialist dermatology and dental services and a children's rehabilitation and development program.

A unique, holistic approach to addressing the needs and advocating the rights of people with disabilities at the community level is carried out by Rumailah's Community-Based Rehabilitation Program, which has been recognized by Arab Health Award for its contribution to rehabilitation services in the region.

Rumailah Hospital successfully achieved the Triennial Hospital Reaccreditation as we as the JCI Accreditation for Long Term Care Standards and is the first hospital in the GCC to be granted this prestigious status. Rumailah is also operating the first residential compound for patients with physical disabilities and mental health issues in the region, providing a safe and homely environment for patients who would otherwise have remained on a hospital ward.

Because many of Rumailah's patients are being treated for long term conditions, staff and patients are able to form strong bonds that are conducive to improvements in health and wellbeing. Rumailah is a caring and vibrant hospital that is embedded in the heart of the community of Qatar.  

About Mada
Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center) specializes in connecting people with disabilities to the world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). We provide advice, training and a wide range of communication technologies specifically adapted to meet the needs of people with physical, hearing, visual, and learning disabilities.

Through the use of Assistive Technology (AT), people with different needs and abilities are able to connect to the digital world and enjoy a world of opportunities offered by ICT in a way that is accessible and comfortable.  We have a team of AT Specialists who work directly with clients to identify their needs and aspirations and provide adaptations and technologies that suit them.  Through effective assessment and provision, Mada gives people with disabilities access to mobile devices, computers and digital content at work, home and in the classroom.

As part of Mada's commitment towards building an accessible ICT eco-system in Qatar, the Center Mada is involved in Research and Development to facilitate the production and availability of assistive technologies that support the needs of Arabic speakers. As well, Mada works closely with content developers and web managers to develop digital platforms that are built with e-accessibility in mind.

Mada was established in June 2010 as an initiative of the Supreme Council of Information and Technology (ictQatar). For more information please visit mada.org.qa

© Press Release 2013