On September 22, Dubai Police organized a sign language workshop for private school students in honor of the International Day of Sign Languages celebrated annually on September 23. The workshop, titled “Let Our Hands Speak,” aimed to raise awareness among youth about sign language and inclusivity. The event was attended by 105 students at Al Mawakeb School — Al Barsha, and was organized by the People of Determination Empowerment Council and the Positive Spirit Council. The workshop was conducted by a certified sign language trainer, Mohammad Mussad Al Hajajji, who highlighted the importance of promoting sign language education to break down communication barriers with the deaf community, therefore enhancing their happiness and social integration.
The UAE has several initiatives for people of determination, including free parking, exemption from Salik toll fees, modified taxis, discounts on hospital bills, and monthly phone plans. People of determination can obtain the Fazaa card, which provides access to multiple benefits and offers, as well as the Sanad card for residents in Dubai. The workshop organized by Dubai Police is part of their ongoing commitment to inclusivity and supporting people of determination in the community. The event also featured various activities such as K9 shows, mounted police show, tourist security patrols, and a musical performance by the Dubai Police band to engage the attendees and create a positive learning environment.
Major Abdullah Al Shamsi, Chairperson of the People of Determination Empowerment Council, highlighted that the initiative by Dubai Police aligns with the national policy for empowering people of determination. The goal is to integrate the deaf community into society and contribute to Dubai Police’s strategic objectives of fostering a happy community and a safe city. The initiative also supports Dubai’s initiative, ‘My Community…A Place for Everyone,’ aiming to make the emirate fully inclusive for people of determination. Additionally, Fatima Bouhajeer, Chairperson of the Positive Spirit Council, emphasized the council’s role in educating young people about community values such as coexistence, tolerance, dialogue, development, and respect for others through workshops and activities.
The sign language workshop organized by Dubai Police signifies the commitment of the law enforcement agency to inclusivity and support for people of determination in the community. The event aimed to raise awareness among youth about the importance of sign language education and breaking down communication barriers with the deaf community. The initiative aligns with Dubai Police’s strategic goals of fostering a happy community and a safe city while contributing to making Dubai fully inclusive for people of determination. The involvement of the People of Determination Empowerment Council and the Positive Spirit Council in organizing such workshops and events further enhances efforts to educate young people about essential community values and promote integration and coexistence among students.
In conclusion, the workshop organized by Dubai Police on the International Day of Sign Languages underscores the importance of promoting sign language education and inclusivity in society. By engaging with private school students and raising awareness about communication barriers faced by the deaf community, Dubai Police aims to foster a more understanding and inclusive community. The support and participation of various councils and stakeholders in organizing such events contribute to enriching the knowledge and experience of young people and promoting essential community values such as tolerance, coexistence, and respect for others. Overall, Dubai Police’s initiative reflects a commitment to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for people of determination in the UAE.
