“Persons with special needs can involve in creative works in various fields,” Shaikh Mohammed said as he welcomed the group yesterday. Shaikh Mohammed instructed the Ministry of Social Affairs to accelerate enforcement of relevant legislations, devise an early intervention programme to deliver full care to the physically challenged persons and oblige all federal and local entities to provide all necessary and essential services in government buildings and utilities to cater for the requirements and needs of individuals with special needs.
Sheikh Mohammed described this important category in the social fabric as persons with special challenges as they are challenging hearing and speech impairment and moving disability with their work and contribution to the service of their community and nation, each in his field and according to his capacity. Shaikh Mohammed recalled some examples of great Arab and foreign achievers under this group like the late man of letters Taha Hussein and poet Abu Al Ala Al Marri and others who excelled in sports, music and arts.
The Vice-President commended achievements made by sportsmen of this category in the semi-Olympic games held in China last year where they won gold, silver and bronze medals, raising the UAE flag high.
“The UAE under the leadership of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan is proud of them and will sponsor them spiritually and financially, provide them with protection and equality in rights and duties on equal footing with other members of the society,” Shaikh Mohammed said.
Visually-challenged poets recited poems during the meeting, expressing their delight at meeting with Shaikh Mohammed and praising achievements made by the UAE under the wise leadership. Shaikh Mohammed hosted an Iftar banquet in honour of his guests.
