Autism Physical

disabilities
Hearing
disabilities
Communication
disability
Down
Syndrome
Visual
disabilities
Intellectual
disabilities
24 - 26 March 2014
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre
United Arab Emirates
The rst MENA platform for the economic, social,
educational and professional empowerment of
people with disabilities
www.abilitiesme.com
Under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan
Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development
and Honorary President of the Future Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi
INTRODUCING ABILITIESme PATRON
His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan
Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development
and Honorary President of the Future Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi
3
My involvement in ABILITIESme stems from my belief
that the ultimate triumph of a nations leadership lies
in its ability to safeguard the wellbeing, nurture the
potential and impact positively on the lives of its most
vulnerable constituents. ABILITIESme is an initiative
that sustains the social, educational, economic and
professional empowerment of people with disabilities.
It is an honour as a patron to preside over this
wonderful effort and contribute to its success.
His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan
Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development
and Honorary President of the Future Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi
ABILITIESme stems from the understanding that continuous efforts and carefully thought
through initiatives from all tenets of authorities will undoubtedly ensure a greater sense of
commitment to the people with disabilities.
ABILITIESme is driven by the belief that people with disabilities offers an untapped wealth
of possibilities which should be granted the necessary tools to be realised.
ABILITIESme is justified by the necessity of preparing adaptable channels to ground the
path to emancipation, personal growth and social integration of individuals with handicaps.
ABILITIESme is a community outreach CSR campaign designed to increase awareness
among the members of the general public, corporations and government entities.
ABILITIESme on one hand calls attention to the social challenges experienced by people
with disabilities in the United Arab Emirates, Gulf countries and the MENA region. On the
other hand, ABILITIESme presents a bright perspective on the potential, possibilities and
prospects stemming from enhancing a greater inclusion of all members of the community
and simply put, minding the gap to mend it.
INTRODUCTION
4
Disabled is often viewed as a lack of industriousness, or limited potential. This is often the result of a critical disconnect
in communication about disabilities between policymakers, carers, physicians, parents, employers and the wider general
public.
A lack of information and discussion can reduce the chances of achieving societal engagement for those with physical,
mental, developmental, cognitive or intellectual disabilities.
But by combining human, institutional, financial, logistical, material support and resources, then it becomes possible to
achieve a greater understanding, a better dialogue and palpable progress on disability management issues.
OBJECTIVES
FOCUS
Special Needs Education
Accessible Infrastructure Development and Universal Design
Professional Development of People with Disabilities
Social Inclusion
Assistive Technology & Robotics
Health, Fitness & Rehabilitation
Disability Management, Activism, Policy and Advocacy
Disabilities Management
Media, Communications and People With Disabilities
Improve social and community integration of youngsters with autism
Nurture potential, extend reach and capabilities of adults who use
wheelchairs
Grow academic strengths and physical astuteness of children with
Down Syndrome
Reinvent standards of educational excellence in school and university
curriculums for students with multiple exceptionalities
Advocate a better quality of life for people with disabilities and
able-bodied people
Invest in knowledge and suitable infrastructure development in the
neighbourhoods, districts and cities
Normalise differences for greater familial, social, cultural and
professional inclusion of individuals with physical, sensory, mental,
intellectual and emotional impairments
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ABILITIESme is a strategic and grassroots CSR initiative aimed at
supporting people with disabilities by engaging the government
and civil society.
ABILITIESme pledges to enhance a sense of inclusiveness
and address the roots of exclusion by engaging dialogue
and opening a substantial discussion to sensitise government,
educate businesses and enlighten civil society on:
ABILITIESmes core mission is to help fill the gap borne from
the lack of integration of individuals with disabilities and
special needs in the classroom, the gym, the household, the
boardroom and on the work floor.
ABILITIESme will also cater to parents anxieties or
expectations by providing relief with dedicated programmes
and workshops.
ABILITIESme Pre-Event Celebrity Sports Tournament,
Charity Ball, Award Ceremony and Gala Dinner are a few of
the networking functions that will enable greater interaction
and connection in a festive atmosphere during the most
anticipated disability awareness event of the year.
FORMAT
TIME TABLE

Pre-Event
Day
Day One Day Two Day Three
07.30

Registraton Registraton Registraton Registraton
08.00

08.30

W
o
r
k
s
h
o
p



Opening Ceremony
Conference


Academic
Lab
Actvites 1
Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 1
Conference
Academic Lab
Actvites 1

Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 1
09.00

09.30

10.00

Academic
Lab
Actvites 2
Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 2
Academic Lab
Actvites 2
Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 2
10.30

Ministerial
Roundtables
&
One-to-One
Meetngs


E
x
h
i
b
i
t
o
n

Academic
Lab
Actvites 1
Health &
Actvites 1
Conference
Keynotes &
Panel
Discussions

Lab
Actvites 3
Physical Lab Physical Lab
Physical Lab
Physical Lab
Physical Lab
Physical Lab
Actvites 3
Conference
Keynotes &
Panel
Discussions
Academic Lab
Actvites 3
Physical Lab
Actvites 3 11.00
11.30

Academic
Lab
Actvites 2
Health &
Actvites 2
Academic
Academic
Lab
Actvites 4
Health &
Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 4
Academic Lab
Actvites 4
Health &
Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 4
12.00
12.30

Luncheon Luncheon Luncheon Luncheon Luncheon Luncheon Luncheon
13.00

13.30

14.00

C
e
l
e
b
r
i
t
y

S
p
o
r
t
n
g

E
v
e
n
t

Conference
Plenary
Sessions
Academic
Lab
Actvites 3
Health &
Actvites 3
Conference
Plenary
Sessions
Academic
Lab
Actvites 5
Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 5
Conference
Plenary
Session
Parents
Programme
Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 5
14.30

15.00

Recess Recess Recess
15.30

Academic
Lab
Actvites 4
Health &
Actvites 4
Academic
Lab
Actvites 6
Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 6
16.00

16.30

Recess Recess
Closing Ceremony
17.00

Parents
Programme
Health &
Actvites 5
Parents
Programme
Health &
Physical Lab
Actvites 7
17.30

Recess
18.00
18.30
Recess Recess
End of the Event
19.00
19.30
20.00
Welcome
Recepton
Charity Ball and
Gala Dinner
Award Ceremony
21.00


E
x
h
i
b
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t
o
n
E
x
h
i
b
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t
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n
6
ABILITIESme is a multilayered event that includes a thought
leadership conference aimed at voicing the concerns of
policymakers, educators, healthcare specialists, employers,
parents and disability rights activists.
ABILITIESme proposes a smooth transition from speeches
to actions by showcasing a series of medical assistive
technologies, healthcare innovations, advanced sports
infrastructures and all recent scientific findings focused on
improving the quality of life of people with disabilities.
ABILITIESme transforms theories to reality and written
methodologies to live practice with a succession of health,
physical and academic labs designed to entertain minds and
train muscles.
FEATURES OUTLOOK
1. Welcome Recepton

2. Opening Ceremony


3. Celebrity Sports Tournament


4. Gala Dinner and Charity Ball

5. Awards and Closing Ceremony




1. Exhibiton
2. Job Fair
3. Actvites and Laboratories

1. Ministerial Meetngs
2.

Conference


3.

Workshop


4.

Parents Programme
5.

Scientc Project Contest
6.

Art Aucton
7. Special Needs Sister School Programme
8. Steering Commitee & Advisory Board
9. Charites & NGOs
ABILITIESme Conference in its first year will cover six key themes:
Education, Health, Accessibility, Social Inclusion, Employment and
Policy Development. The conference explores, from a strategic vantage
point, the factors that contribute to the social, economic, career
development and health empowerment of people with disabilities.
Dates: March 24, 25, 26, 2014
Theme:
N.E.E.D: Nurturing, Enabling and Empowering
the Disabled
CONGRESS
Conference
ABILITIESme Parents Programme is a half day programme with
short pro-active seminars specifically dedicated to fathers, mothers
and siblings. These seminars are designed to help improve parental
effectiveness by providing a clear parenting philosophy and a set of
positive parenting skills and strategies that can be used immediately
to address a variety of special needs and disabled child-rearing
challenges and problems. ABILITIESME Parents Programme is
divided into three curriculums: relationship labs, confidence labs
and supports groups.
Date: March 23, 24, 25, 26, 2014
Parents Programme
ABILITIESme Ministerial Meetings provide a realistic outlook of
the progress in the implementation of the United Nations
Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities and an insight
into sovereign approaches of empowering of people with
disabilities. The Ministerial Meetings engages discussions on
issues affecting the progress of inclusive social development while
reviewing local, regional and international partnerships between
governments and constituents to provide sustainable solutions for
disability issues.
Date: March 24,25, 2014
ABILITIESme Workshops offer participants a deeper and insightful
learning experience with a practical roadmap of dos and donts
applicable to their day-to-day management and professional
duties. Presented with wealth of information, the workshops
proposes an innovative approach of the subject matter that
includes strategic, tactical and real-time assessment. ABILITIESme
Workshops are mainly designed for educators, administrators,
physicians, social workers and regulators.
Date: March 23, 24, 25, 26, 2014
Congress Trade Networking
Ministerial Meetings
Workshops
7
The primary objective of ABILITIESme Special Needs Sister School
Programme is to help schools maximise the educational, cultural and
sporting opportunities for special needs students and their educators.
Through facilitation of international relations, local special needs
students and educators can learn first hand the differences and
similarities in culture, education, personal values, personal interests and
lifestyle. Interested schools in the UAE, GCC and International can apply.
Application Deadline for Participation: January 15, 2014
Attendance: March 24, 25, 26, 2014
Special Needs Sister School Programme
During ABILITIESme Gala Dinner and Charity Ball on March 24,
2014, prizes will be offered to ABILITIESme Best Scientific Projects.
Students with disabilities, educators and inventors are invited to
create scientific projects/inventions that improve independent
living for people with disabilities or facilitate inclusion of people
with special needs in social amenities. Contenders are invited to
submit their projects.
Application Deadline for Participation: February 15, 2014
Presentation: March 24, 25, 26, 2014
Scientific Projects
During ABILITIESme Gala Dinner and Charity Ball on March 24, 2014,
an art auction will be run to raise funds for charities and
non-commercial organisations associated with ABILITIESme.
Students with disabilities, educators and members of the public are
invited to submit their artworks.
Application Deadline for Participation: February 15, 2014
Presentation: March 24, 25, 26, 2014
Art Auction
ABILITIESme Exhibition is a strategic platform for product line
launches and showcases of latest innovations and inventions
dedicated to the betterment of the lives of people with disabilities
and special needs. ABILITIESme is an ideal trading floor for adaptive
products manufacturers, suppliers and distributors across industries
including: healthcare, assistive technology, robotics, accessibility,
construction, hospitality, automotive, interior design and special
education.
Date: 24, 25, 26 March 2014
Theme:
Care, Cure, Assist, Educate, Train and Nurture
Exhibition
ABILITIESme Activities and Laboratories are divided into two groups:
Health & Physical Laboratories and Academic Laboratories. Each of
these categories is segmented by themes, topics and expertise: Care,
Fitness, Sports, Entertainment, Arts, Accessibility, Professional
Development and Environment.
Date: March 24, 25, 26, 2014
Activities Laboratories
ABILITIESme Job Fair is divided into two segments:
Disabled professionals (Disability Employment)
This first segment focuses on permanent job openings,
apprenticeships or temporary placements for professionals with
disabilities. Participating companies include private, public,
semi-public sectors and non-commercial organisations.
Employment for professionals in the disability sector
This second segment focuses on sourcing experts, practitioners
and other professionals for the health, education and research of
the disability sector in the UAE and the wider GCC.
Date: March 24, 25, 26, 2014
Job Fair
TRADE
8
Theme:
Entertain, Discover, Explore and Socialise
NETWORKING
ABILITIESme Celebrity Sports Tournament is an inclusive and
multi-disciplinary sports tournament organised in association with the
UAE Special Olympics.
Date: March 23, 24, 25, 26, 2014
Celebrity Sports Tournament
ABILITIESme Welcome Reception is a social introduction and greetings
involving ABILITIESme international guests, key partners, Steering
Committee Members, local stakeholders and supporters. ABIILTIESme
Welcome Reception takes place after the Celebrity Sport Tournament.
Date: March 23, 2014
Welcome Reception
ABILITIESme Opening Ceremony is held on March 24, 2014 morning and
presided over by His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan,
UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development and
Honorary President of Abu Dhabi Future Centre for Special Needs.
ABILITIESme Opening Ceremony includes a series of inspirational
speeches delivered by ABILITIESme international guests, key partners,
Steering Committee Members, local stakeholders and strategic supporters.
Date: March 24, 2014
Opening Ceremony
ABILITIESme Gala Dinner and Charity Ball is committed to raising funds
for charitable organisations in the UAE whose actions are dedicated to
the empowerment of people with disabilities. Proceeds from the annual
ABILITIESme Gala Dinner and Charity Ball are awarded to charities
associated with ABILITIESme.
Date: March 24, 2014
Gala Dinner and Charity Ball
ABILITIESme Awards and Closing Ceremony is held to honour and recognise
outstanding private and public initiatives and personal commitments to the
empowerment of people with disabilities and special needs in the UAE, GCC
and MENA region.
Date: March 26, 2014
Awards & Closing Ceremony
ABILITIESme Steering Committee and Advisory Board is a group of experts,
stakeholders and independent observers that provide advice to ABILITIESmes
Organising & Coordination Board (AOCB) to ensure the success of ABILITIESmes
overall mission and objective.
The primary functions of the Steering Committee and Advisory Board are:
To attend meetings of the Steering Committee (UAE members only)
To approve/suggest speakers, spokespeople, topics, activities
To ensure that ABILITIESme aligns with expectations of key stakeholder groups
(government, corporate partners, NGOs, media, family lobbies)
To assess ABILITIESme Congress planning and outcome
To assist in the awareness efforts by providing quotes, statements, support in
kind or in volunteers
To relay information on ABILITIESme through networks and connections
To assist in the execution of ABILITIESme by monitoring deliverables and
notifying on limitations or shortcomings
To provide necessary expertise on subject matters related to accessibility,
parenting, counseling, inclusive education, adaptive technologies, disability
policies
To help create a support group
To select and nominate ABILITIESme Awards Recipients, Art Auction Winners,
Scientific Projects Winners and Eligible Charities (UAE Members only)
The Steering Committee is made of 13 subcommittees. Membership is by
invitation only.
STEERING COMMITTEE
Steering Committee
ABILITIESme has pledged to give 10% of the overall proceeds to charitable
organisations associated with ABILITIESme.
Charities and Non-Profit Organisations
Organisations wishing to become eligible as benefitting charity are invited
to download the registration forms on ABILITIESme website and complete
the necessary procedures indicated.
Terms
All donations in kind or monetary will be reported to the UAE Ministry of
Social Affairs or the UAE Red Crescent until the official disclosure of the
amount of revenues generated.
Donations
After the official publication of the revenues generated by ABILITIESme
and disclosed to the UAE Red Crecent and the Ministry of Social Affairs
after the event, ABILITESme Organising & Coordination Board will then
redistribute 10% of it to eligible charities.
Distribution of the Proceeds
1. Any organisation wishing to be considered as a benefitting charity must be
registered with the UAE Ministry of Social Affairs or any of its branches in
any of the seven Emirates in the United Arab Emirates
2. Any organisation wishing to be considered as a benefitting charity must
add to their application a copy of their registration and license numbers and
documents issued by the Chamber of Commerce, Department of Economic
Development in the Emirate where the organisation is based
3. Any organisation wishing to be considered as a benefitting charity must
have a scope of activities dedicated to:
a. Supporting the special needs and disabled communities,
b. Reducing poverty
c. Helping the underprivileged children, the elderly and senior citizen
d. Sustaining healthcare and medical care for pandemic diseases (cancer,
polio, arthritis, muscular dystrophy, mother and baby care, early
childhood care
Conditions
9
Audience Profile
AUDIENCE

People with Disabilities and
Special Needs Communities
Government Officials
Educators
Administrators
Social Workers
Researchers
Parents
Policymakers
Infrastructure Builders
Students & Adults with Disabilities
Psychologists, Physicians & Therapists
Medical & Healthcare Specialists
Disability Rights Activists
Bionics and Robotics Technologists
Assistive Technology Traders
Accessibility and Universal Design Experts
Educators Social Workers & Activists Government Officials
Medical Experts & Healthcare Specialists Physicians & Therapists Psychologists & Psychiatrists
Students Parents Technologists
A realistic overview and in-depth analysis of the local,
regional and global educational development plans for
students with disabilities
A performance report on local educators efforts for
students with disabilities and/or special needs
A comparative analysis and best practices for special
needs education
A draft methodology to achieve educational excellence
based on existing benchmarks
A place to present programmes dedicated to support
employment of people with disabilities
A tribune to expose campaigns and activities aimed at
improving the quality of life of professionals with
disabilities and special needs
An in-depth review of initiatives and programmes
aimed at achieving higher social inclusion of people
with disabilities and special needs from infancy,
youth, adulthood to senior years
An outlook on the actual progress of national and
regional disability rights and regulations
implementation
A platform to demonstrate the benefits of
implementing stronger disability friendly policies
A perspective on the Millennium Development Goals
for the people with disabilities and special need
A roll-out plan with a strategic road map for the
execution of sustainable initiatives and advocacy
programme
An additional incentive to expend budgets for
accessible infrastructures
A catalyst for inventiveness in the realm of advanced
care for people with disabilities and special needs
An audience to discuss recent scientific
findings and their applicability
A live-scale laboratory to experiment
the latest progress in medical
rehabilitation
A one of a kind networking opportunity to discuss
existing treatments with peers and practitioners
A strategic gathering for professionals seeking new
innovative methodologies to extend the range of
capabilities of their patients with disabilities and
special needs
A live and interactive debate on available and
applicable methodologies, culturally sensitive
approaches and by the book guidelines for therapy
and care
A forum to share knowledge on the psychology of
children and adults with disabilities and special
needs
An opportunity to meet with parents and
educators to hear first hand testimonials and
compelling stories
An assembly of like-minded caretakers to present
solutions to support special needs educational
programmes and sustain a safe environment for
students with disabilities and special needs
An enriching way to learn about enablement and
empowerment of a person with disabilities
An adventurous experience to gain a greater insight
into others disabilities and the merit of
perseverance
A once in a lifetime chance to meet with high profile
achievers with disabilities (athletes, politicians,
actors, philanthropists, business leaders,
scientists)
A meeting place to listen to groundbreaking
presentations designed to help better understand
children with disabilities and special needs'
expectations (in formative years or for young adults)
A forum to share personal experiences, anxieties and
achievements
A council to seek structured advice from professionals
A point of convergence for parents with similar
experiences
A viable setting to showcase the latest innovations
and products to improve learning experiences for
students with disabilities
A unique gathering to present recent evolution in
assistive technology and robotics
A bright environment to discuss recent research in
neuroscience, rehabilitation techniques, medical
and pharmaceutical findings to enhance
indenpendent living for people with disabilities and
special needs
10
Expectations
Audience Sector Outlook
Audience Geographic Outlook
UAE 34%
GCC (KSA, Qatar,
Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman) 12%
Levant (Jordan, Lebanon) 7% Central Asia (Turkey) 4%
North Africa 5%
Sub-Saharan Africa 4%
Western Europe 7%
Nordic Countries 4%
Asia (Western: India,
Pakistan, Sri Lanka) 5%
ASEAN Countries (Indonesia,
Thailand, Malaysia) 4%
Oceania (Australia, New Zealand) 1.5%
North America (Canada, USA, Mexico) 6%
South America (Argentina, Brazil) 1.5%
CEE (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary) 2%
Russia & CIS 3%
ABILITIESmes audience is a balanced blend of decision makers in the
education, technology and healthcare fields, policymakers, social and
community activists, academics, students and parents.

ABILITIESmes geographic target spans beyond the Gulf and Pan-Arabian
countries, attracting crowds of individuals, institutions and corporations
genuinely dedicated to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities.

ABILITIESme conference delegates, activities participants, visitors and
exhibitors will converge to Abu Dhabi from across the globe.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Educators 18%
Administrators 10%
PolicyMakers 7.5%
Activists 8%
Physicians &
Therapists 9%
Medical Research 8%
Technologists 10%
Students 8%
Parents 8%
Consultants 4%
NGOs 5%
Philanthropists 3%
Opinion Shapers 1.5%
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Communities Development Agencies
Health Authorities
Education Department
Social Development and Affairs Agencies
Schools (Kindergarten to High School)
Universities
Educational Centres
Special Educational Centres
Software Developers for Special Needs Educational Programmes
School Suppliers for Special Needs Children /Students
School Publishers for Special Needs Children/Student Programmes
Equipment Manufacturers for the Disabled Community
Fitness Centres
Leisure Centres
Leisure Facilities Developers and Promoters
Insurance Companies
Trust Funds and Banks for the Disabled Community
Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
Assistive Robotics Equipments
Rehabilitation Equipments
Medical Centres
Disabled Friendly Touristic Infrastructure Developers
ABILITIESme targets a wide range of industries and functions
within the private and public sector. This extended reach is justified
by the need to gather the industries, businesses and individuals
who are deemed essential to achieve the empowerment of people
with disabilities and special needs.
TARGET SECTORS
Government
Education
Sport, Fitness & Leisure
Services
Medical & Healthcare
Hospitality & Tourism
Construction, Hospitality & Tourism 3%
ICT 10%
Education* 15%
Fitness, Sports &
Leisure 8%
Research & Development / Robotics 8%
Finance, Banking &
Insurance 5%
Non Profit 9%
Assistive Tech
Accessibility Products 13%
Healthcare &
Rehabitation 15%
Government Services 14%
ABILITIESme's exhibition and laboratories are unique venues that
showcase cross-industry innovations designed to provide more
Independence and prospects to people with disabilities.
Exhibitors Profile
Asia (China, India,
Taiwan, Korea, Japan) 28%
GCC 20%
Levant 10%
Western Europe 22%
North America 20%
Exhibitors' Geographic Sectors
Accessibility Product Manufacturing
Assistive Technology
Independent Living Solutions
Personal Mobility
Universal Design
Adaptive Automotive and Transportation
Healthcare Robotics
Bionics
Prosthetics & Orthotics
Construction
Inclusive Sport and Leisure
Education and Special Education
Government and Community Development
Disability Employment and Vocational Training
NGOs and Social Workers
Key target sectors
Care, Cure, Assist, Educate, Train and Nurture are the six key focus areas
of the products and services presented at ABILITIESme by the world's
leading institutions in rehabilitation, healthcare, information technology,
education, entertainment, hospitality and research & development.
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Joining ABILITIESme will help prospective partners in maximising their reach, achieving their marketing expectations and
meeting their communication goals.
ABILITIESme is also an opportunity for corporations to embark into a worthwhile Corporate Social Responsibility initiative
designed to bring into the mainstream disabilities and support inclusive communities. The following partnership options are
available:
PARTICIPATION OPTIONS & BENEFITS
ABILITIESme Institutional Partner
ABILITIESme Corporate Partner
ABILITIESme CSR Partner
ABILITIESme Key Partner
ABILITIESme Featured Sponsor
ABILITIESme Academic Lab Sponsor
ABILITIESme Exhibitor
ABILITIESme Congress Speaker
ABILITIESme Workshop Leader
ABILITIESme Media Partner
ABILITIESme Health & Physical Lab Sponsor
ABILITIESme Real Life Experience Sponsor
ABILITIESme Networking Functions Sponsor
ABILITIESme E-Content Sponsor
ABILITIESme combines a cost effective promotion effort with a CSR initiative that will help participants and
partners enhance their visibility at the regions most anticipated disability awareness and advocacy event.
Recognition as a credible driver for the development of
sustainable initiatives design to empower people with
disabilities
Opportunity to maximise Return-on-Objectives by
encouraging strategic business associations
Incremental enhancement of the CSR message
Engagement of high-level officials by sponsoring one of
the regions most anticipated disability awareness event
Highlights
ABILITIESme is a strategic tool to capture the disability awareness
and advocacy audiences interest
ABILITIESme allows a greater interaction with industry specialists
and decision makers
ABILITIESme offers tailored partnership options
to meet participants expectations
ABILITIESme supports organisations in their commercial and
strategic positioning within the entire special needs and
disabilities communities ecosystem
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Advantages
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre is the most modern exhibition
centre in the world. Since its inauguration in 2007 by His Highness
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of UAE and Ruler of
Abu Dhabi, the centre has hosted over 500 events every year and
welcomed millions of visitors. ADNEC has garnered strong praises and
solidified its reputation for hosting high profile international trade
exhibitions such as IDEX and ADIPEC to name a few.
With 12 state-of-the-art fully connected exhibition halls, the Atrium
and the Concourse totalling 73,000 square meters, ADNEC is the
largest exhibition venue in the Middle East. The flexible, flat-floored
and interconnected halls offer endless possibilities for all types of
exhibitions and events; these facilities are complemented by extensive
event services including imaginative conference and banqueting
facilities.
VENUE ACCESSIBILITY
About Abu Dhabi
About ADNEC
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and is the seat
for the country's federal government.
Abu Dhabi is an advanced cosmopolitan metropolis with a fast
urbanisation process and high per capita income. Home of Sheikh
Zayed Mosque as well as many firsts including Ferrari World and the
future Louvre Abu Dhabi, the city offers a balanced blend of traditional
Arabic culture in a modern setting.
Abu Dhabi is located at the cross-roads of the Old and New Silk
routes. It is one of the thriving and economically viable cities of the
Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arabian Peninsula.
ADNEC requires that visitors with disabilities be afforded the same
opportunities and access as able-bodied visitors enjoy, therefore
ramps and lifts are provided at the entrances to ADNEC. Lifts operate
between the floors. Accessible signage and disable-friendly amenities
are available onsite.
ADNEC has wheelchairs available for daily or event hire for up to a
maximum of 6 hours per day from the ADNEC First Aid Point adjacent
to Hall 8 concourse.
Any request to use the ADNEC wheel chairs to be directed to the
ADNEC first aid Point in hall 8 concourse area via email adnecfox@g-
mail.com or telephone +971 2 406 4456. Wheelchairs are hired free of
charge.
In Abu Dhabi
At ADNEC
In Abu Dhabi regulations based on international standards that
came into effect in January 2011 require all new
buildings to be accessible for residents with disabilities.
The codes include mandates for the maximum incline of ramps, the
width of doorways and hallways and the height of necessities such
as fire alarms and thermostats.
Abu Dhabi Municipality has made great strides in tackling
accessibility issues for new construction and development projects.
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ABILITIESme Organising & Coordination Board
ABILITIESme Organising & Coordination Board (AOCB) includes the Project Team in charge of the execution of the event
and ABILITIESme CSR Ambassadors.
CSR INITIATIVE
ABILITIESme will donate 10% of all proceeds to
local charities with a view to assist the community.
*Proceeds will be donated at the completion of the audited event
and will be published in the local media and the ABILITIESme website.
Our CSR Ambassadors, Freej fun old ladies
Freej, the Middle East's first 3D animated series is the brainchild of Mohammed Saeed Harib who also
directs the fifty five standalone episodes of fifteen minutes each, launched September 2006 on
national television in the UAE . FREEJ is the tale of four old national women living in a secluded
neighborhood in modern day Dubai. The show's main characters; Um Saeed, Um Saloom, Um Allawi
and Um Khammas try to live a peaceful life in the midst of the ever-expanding city around them, but
the city's boom unveils new social issues every day that they would have to tackle solve in their own
simple way. For those four old women, there is no issue too hard to crack with a good cup of coffee at
About ABILITIESme CSR Ambassadors, Freej
General Event Management
Mr. Barth de Ridder
Tel: +971 4 445 3664
Mob: +971 50 557 7532
Email: barthderidder@dmgeventsme.com
General Event Management
Mr. James Meltz
Tel: +971 4 445 3682
Mob:+971 50 654 5595
Email: jamesmeltz@dmgeventsme.com
Strategic Promotion & Business Development
India
Mr. Goutam Malhotra
Tel: +971 4 445 3620
Mob: +971 50 342 1190
Email: goutammalhotra@dmgeventsme.com
Public Relations
Ms. Shamim Kassibawi
Mob: +971 50 382 1258
Email: shamim@efikra.com
Client & Operations Management
Ms. Juliete Cariaso
Tel: +971 4 445 3744
Mob: +971 55 766 2783
Email: julietecariaso@dmgeventsme.com
Marketing Manager
Mr. Alexander Franzetti
Tel: +971 4 445 3673
Mob: +971 50 84 75 034
Email: alexanderfranzetti@dmgeventsme.com
Administration and Media Management
Ms. Marie Heynsbergh
Tel: +971 4 448 0355
Mob: +971 55 653 7821
Email: marieheynsbergh@dmgeventsme.com
Strategic Promotion & Business Development
Europe
Mr. Rajendra Salgaonkar
Tel: +971 4 445 3652
Mob: +971 56 174 1686
Email: rajendrasalgaonkar@dmgeventsme.com
Strategic Promotion & Business Development
UAE/GCC
Mr. Ghassan Othman
Tel: +971 4 445 3761
Mob: +971 55 1 357 585
Email:ghassanothman@dmgeventsme.com
Ms. Prudence Kolong
Tel: +971 561 74 16 82
Mob: +971 56 655 7818
Email: prudencekolong@dmgeventsme.com
Content Management & Partnerships
Development
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15
Um Saeed's house. Freej characters are ABILITIESmes Official CSR Ambassadors.
For more info please visit www.freej.ae
16
ASSIST: Offer assistance as you would to anyone else, for example, to push a wheelchair or to guide a person who is blind. The person will indicate whether the
help is needed, and a no, thank you must be respected. Most people with disabilities will not hesitate to ask for needed help and will be specific as to how it
should be given. For example, a person who is blind usually prefers to hold your arm rather than to have you grab his or her arm.
NOTICE: Noticing a person with an obvious disability is not rude; however asking personal questions about a persons disability is inappropriate at times. Be
aware of the surrounding before inquiring.
TALK: Always talk directly to people with disabilities rather than to the person who may be accompanying him or her. Never talk about the person with a
disability to the person he or she is with as if the person does not exist. This includes an interpreter for persons who are deaf.
WALK: Do not be concerned if you use the words walking or running when talking to a person who uses a wheelchair, or do you see? when talking to a
person who is blind. People with disabilities use these terms themselves and think nothing of it.
WORD: Do not avoid using words like blind or deaf when associating with people with these disabilities. People with disabilities are aware of their disabilities
and do not need to be shielded from the facts.
AWARENESS & INCLUSION ETIQUETTE
For specific disabilities
Saying person with Tourette syndrome or
person who has cerebral palsy is usually more
acceptable. If you are not sure what words to
use, ask.
It is advisable not to use and avoid outdated
terms:
handicapped
crippled
retarded
Be aware that depending on the culture or
background, many people with disabilities
dislike euphemistic terms like:
physically challenged
differently abled
Say
person who uses a wheelchair rather than
Confined to a wheelchair
Wheelchair bound
The wheelchair is what enables a person to get
around and participate in society, it is
empowering, liberating, not confining.
Terminology: What to Say and Not to Say!
LEVEL: When talking with a person using a wheelchair for any length of time, it is better to sit down to be at the
same eye level.
SENSE: Be sensitive to architectural barriers in your facility. Be aware of federal and state laws that may apply to
eliminate barriers in your establishment. Everyone must be concerned and alert to this very real problem.
REMEMBER: If a person does not turn around in response to a call, it may be that he or she is deaf. A light tap
on the shoulder to get a persons attention makes sense.
BEHAVE: Never gesture about a person who is blind to someone who is present. This will be inevitably picked
up and make the person who is blind feel that you are talking behind his or her back.
READ: Lip reading by a person who is deaf can be aided by being sure that the light is on your face and not
behind you, and by taking all obstructions such as pipes, cigarettes or gum out of the mouth, keeping lips
flexible, and speaking slowly. Additional communication could include body language, pantomime and gestures
of all kinds, and written communication when an interpreter is not available.
Put the person first
Say person with a disability/ies rather than
Disabled person.
Say people with disabilities rather than
The disabled
17
ABILITIESme IS AN INITIATIVE FROM
With the support of
Patron Strategic Partner Diamond CSR Partner Platinum CSR Partner Platinum CSR Partner
CSR Partner
Gourmet Partner
CSR Partner CSR Partner CSR Partner
CSR Partner
CSR Partner
Dubai Community
Development Partner
CSR Ambassador UAE Autism
Awareness Partner
Academic Lab
Activity Leader
Strategic Distribution
Partner
Inclusion Based
Education Partner
Automotive
Accessibility Partner
Accessible Play Partner Educational
Outreach Partner
Corporate Partner Corporate Partner Corporate Partner Corporate Partner
Corporate Partner
Corporate Partner Corporate Partner Accessible Hotel Partner Accessible Hotel Partner
Corporate Partner
International Partner International Partner International Partner International Partner International Partner Knowledge Partner
National Telecommunication
Partner
CSR Partner
lnspiring Lives & Building the BEST
18
MEDIA PARTNERS
Online Media
Print Media
Broadcasting Media
Official Broadcasting Partner
Growth Through Innovation
The most acclaimed HEALTH & LIFESTYLE magazine in the region
Armed Forces Media Partner
Exclusive Parent Magazine
19
ABILITIESme SPOKESPEOPLE & SUPPORTERS
CSR INITIATIVE
ABILITIESme will donate 10% of all proceeds to
local charities with a view to assist the community.
*Proceeds will be donated at the completion of the audited event
and will be published in the local media and the ABILITIESme website.
ABILITIESme Organising & Coordination Board
PO Box 33817 , 5th floor, The Palladium, Cluster C, Jumairah Lakes Tower,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Under thePatronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al-Nahayan
Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development
and Honorary President of the Future Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi