Dubai: Jasour – News Desk
The AccessAbilities Expo showcases the latest innovations and inventions that are improving the lives of people with disabilities. A Dubai exhibition dedicated to supporting people with disabilities has helped shine a light on how advanced technology can drive progress towards a more inclusive society.
The Sixth annual Access Abilities Expo, which is being staged at Dubai World Trade Centre this week, has welcomed thousands of visitors and dozens of private companies and government departments showcasing innovations aimed at improving lives.
The three-day event, which concludes on Wednesday, features a wide variety of technology-enabled stands displaying new inventions and assistive hardware, from hearing loop headsets to adjustable-height tables and even newly designed inclusive bus stops by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.
Other stands demonstrate state-of-the-art wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs and other assistive medical equipment, as well as robotic therapy solutions, artificial intelligence-powered intervention platforms and “edtech” innovations.
There are also sections for inclusive cosmetics and music and art therapies, alongside an inclusive education summit and other talks running concurrently to the conference.
One of the most eye-catching displays is of a sensory ambulance by Dubai Ambulance, featuring interior walls adorned with vibrating cushions and a colour-changing bubble machine at the back, while various interactive games are also incorporated.
The vehicle, which the health organization has had in its fleet for almost two years, offers transfer services for people of determination, so they can be moved safely from their homes to the hospital or for a medical appointment. Family members can request the service through the app, website or by calling Dubai Ambulance.
“It’s to transfer to patient to the hospital safely and calmly,” added Ms Alawadhi. “The more people know about it and the more they use it, the more initiative we have to make more of them.
The 30,000-square-metre village, which opened in 2020, is known for its mock simulation areas, such as a mall, health clinic, police station and airport, and this latest move introduces a mini road network at its facility with plans to build a replica plane on site, expanding the facility’s simulation initiative that’s designed to prepare children and young adults with autism for real-life scenarios in a safe, controlled environment.
The latest additions allow the team to recreate high-stress scenarios, such as checking in at an airport or undergoing a security check, as well as the hazards of crossing a road and understanding traffic signals, helping to ease anxiety associated with travelling.
“This program is a crucial step towards helping individuals achieve greater independence and confidence in their daily lives,” said Faris Saeed, founder and chairman of “Sanad” Village.
“It also represents a significant contribution to supporting national efforts to enhance inclusion and accessibility for all, in alignment with the UAE’s vision of integrating and empowering people of determination.”
Sanad Village also signed an agreement this week with Ataa Hamdan Volunteer Team, to provide volunteering opportunities to people who will then receive specialized training from the center to educate and support their work with people of determination.
