Dubai:The Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has organized a series of virtual workshops for five days for the service provider to raise their awareness on the Practice Guidelines for Supported Employment Services within the purview of the inclusive employment policy adopted in 2017, in line with the Dubai Strategy for the People of Determination 2020. During the virtual workshops, the attendees learned how the policy promotes the employment of the people of determination, thereby bolstering Dubai’s efforts to make the emirate an inclusive and friendly destination for them.  

The workshops also shed light on the significance of identifying the training and career paths for the people of determination who have significant disability who have challenges in  pursuing a career in the open  labor market. The guidelines include technical instructions designed to enable relevant centers to update and improve their existing practices, as well as enhance the services provided to the people of determination to ensure their satisfaction, welfare and inclusion in UAE communities.

“The virtual workshops served as an ideal platform to raise the awareness service provider about the existing guidelines as part of the implementation of the inclusive employment policy. This is a major step for us as we continue to find ways to empower the people of determination, as well as provide them with the needed tools to enhance and properly utilize their capabilities as they are an integral part of the UAE’s comprehensive development,” said Mariam Al Hammadi, Acting Director of the People of Determination Department, CDA.  

Al Hammadi added: “At CDA, we are committed to raising the awareness of all stakeholders, including the Service providers, to expand their knowledge on facilitating and ensuring the inclusion of the people of determination in the labor force. Driven by our dedication, we will continue to address any obstacle hindering them from becoming a productive member of society. The people of determination are our key partners in serving and shaping the country’s future. The interactive discussions during the workshop contributed also to shed light on some important points in the manuals and collecting some observations that may contribute to enriching and developing them better.”

Conducted in Arabic and English, the recent workshops were attended by the representatives of the people of determination from 12 centers and other service providers, and 6 government and private entities concerned with supporting the employment of people of determination. The workshops concluded with a Knowledge Exchange Session where best practice and supportive services provided by the members of the community was shared.  The participants were also given an opportunity to share their feedback and proposals to be used for the revision and improvement of the guidelines based on the current and future requirements of the people of determination.