The Community Development Authority (CDA) held an induction meeting on the rights of people with disabilities to enable them to get jobs that are suited to their abilities and qualifications in different business sectors. The initiative is part of CDA’s efforts to comply with the Dubai leadership’s vision to achieve social and economic unity and solidarity and development across all segments of society.
His Excellency Mr Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of CDA, and His Excellency Abdullah Rashid Al Suwaidi, Director General of the Ministry of Social Affairs attended the meeting, which targeted human resource managers who represent government and private sector institutions such as Al Ghandi Auto, Desert Group, Al Rostamani Group and others.
The induction meeting focused on CDA’s efforts and its partners to integrate, enable and facilitate the involvement of people with disabilities in the workforce.
The Community Development Authority has already launched the Elkayt programme, which provides vocational guidance, individual follow-up, and education to the community on the vital role of individuals with disabilities in the workplace. It also provides advisory services for institutions willing to provide appropriate jobs for people with disabilities.
His Excellency Mr Khaled Al Kamda said: “CDA places the utmost importance to enable individuals with disabilities to integrate into the community, and expand the horizons of cooperation with concerned institutions to achieve our objective. The Elkayt programme embodies this cooperation, which aims to integrate and empower people with disabilities in the workplace. This is based on an accurate evaluation and measurement of performance of each individual to find appropriate jobs for their talents and abilities.â€
“We must respect the rights of all people as part of our social responsibilities, and people with disabilities in our companies, to facilitate and simplify the integration of disabled persons in the workplace,†added Al Kamda.
The session focused on the realities faced by people with disabilities in the workplace, and the reluctance of most companies and institutions in employing them due to high training costs and other related considerations.
“The session stressed the importance of employing people with disabilities as part of being a successful investment for the long-run, since a lot of people with disabilities have the competence, practical capability, and determination for excellence and professional development,†said Sheikh Maktoum Bin Butti Al Maktoum, CEO – Social Care at CDA.
Several companies looked into hiring people with disabilities at the session. It also addressed the challenges people with disabilities face in the workplace, the steps to be followed to improve their situation in the society, and ensure that they enjoy all employee rights.
The Community Development Authority will coordinate with leading government institutions and others to provide suitable employment opportunities for people with disabilities, and contribute to the provision of training that corresponds with their needs. CDA will provide training for companies and institutions interested in recruiting individuals with disabilities and facilitate their integration into the workplace in accordance with best international practices.
