Dubai, 13 December, 2010: His Excellency Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai, honoured the partners and sponsors of disability programmes related to the Social Care Sector at a ceremony held recently in Grand Hyatt Dubai.

The initiative was in line with CDA's commitment to implement the vision of the leadership and the Government of Dubai to strengthen unity, solidarity and development by upholding the rights of all segments of society.

The ceremony coincides with the celebration of 'International Day of Persons with Disabilities', which aims to enhance the understanding of issues around disabilities and emphasis on the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

In his opening speech, Mr Al Kamda praised the efforts, contributions and vital role of the strategic partners in the empowerment of people with disabilities, and hoped to continue the partnership, the results of which reflect positively on all sections of the society.

"Being one of the countries committed to the principles of the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UAE is keen to promote understanding on the issue of disability and achieve equality for individuals with disabilities. CDA seeks to achieve that in cooperation with our partners, who do outstanding work," said Al Kamda.

Al Kamda highlighted the rights of people with disabilities and the need for them to enjoy equal opportunities, and to link it to the development process. This is one of CDA's strategic priorities, and in turn will contribute to the emirate's vision for the development of the various segments of society.

"CDA will continue to work with UAE government and private institutions to launch initiatives that aim at empowering people with disabilities, and spread awareness of this subject that guarantee their integration with the mainstream society," added Al Kamda.

The ceremony included a short film prepared by the Community Development Authority highlighting the aspirations and dreams of a group of individuals with disabilities.

CDA has launched the Elkayt programme, which includes several services and procedures to assist in the easy enrollment of people with disabilities in the workforce. These include the assessment of applicants according to the type of disability, assistance in preparing the resume, access to a special adviser, training on how to perform job duties, professional guidance and advice, and special consulting services with employers on hiring people with disabilities.

-Ends-

Community Development Authority (CDA):
The CDA is a government entity mandated with enhancing the social development in Dubai to achieve the Dubai strategic plan 2015 which was announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on February 2007.

The CDA will work towards promoting and raising the social standards in Dubai, and increasing the role of citizens in the community by cooperating with concerned entities in order to achieve the goals of the development sector and to develop the basic structure necessary for this.

The CDA will work on setting up the necessary policies and standards pertaining to social services providers based on its five strategic goals including promotion of national identity, social protection, social inclusion, social empowerment, and social cohesion in Dubai.

© Press Release 2010