Technology & IT | Monday 16 November, 2015 4:27 am |

“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” Firmly rooted on this very thought, Al Noor Training Centre hosted the “Windows 10 presents Al Noor Assistive TechX 2015, one of the most breakthrough events in the field of technology and inclusive education in the region,  under the Patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the 12th and 13th November 2015.

The aim of the event was to raise awareness on the importance of Assistive Technology for people with disabilities. Accessibility, participation, quality of life, employment, education, training and social integration for those with disabilities were the main focus of the expo.  H.E Maryam Mohammed Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs Ministry and Abdullah Al Shaibani, the Secretary General of  the Executive Council of Dubai and Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities were the Chief Guest and inaugurated the event.

Maitha Tariq Sultan Hilal Alsuwaidi, one of the students of the Al Noor Centre who has Cerebral Palsy, created a unique and beautiful artwork which was used as the branding identity of the Al Noor Assistive TechX. The artwork was creatively made with the use of eye gaze technology equipment enabling her to paint using only her eyes. Eye gaze technology is an eye-operated communication and control system that empowers people with disabilities to communicate and interact with the world.

The Expo which took place in ANISA (Al Noor Indoor Sports Auditorium) displayed the powerful role of Assistive Technology in improving educational outcomes and future sustainable employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. 

Eminent AT Specialists from around the globe conducted interactive seminars for professionals and parents to share their in-depth knowledge on the subject. The list of speakers included Mr. Ian Bean, Independent SEN ICT consultant and trainer, Todmorden, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom and Dr. Therese Willkomm, PhD, Director- New Hampshire’s State Assistive Technology Program; associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, University of New Hampshire (UNH), United States, among many others.

Mr. Khaled Al Halyan, Chairman of Al Noor Training Centre, expressed his vision saying, “We are committed to create an inclusive learning environment for people with disabilities and Assistive Technology is a very powerful tool to make it possible. The expo was an effort to make the community AT aware and we are overwhelmed by the response. With such support from the government and corporates, we look forward to pursuing our vision of integrating the special needs community into the mainstream society by benefiting from the advantages of Assistive Technology.”

Mr. Mohammed Arif, Windows Business Group Lead, Microsoft Gulf said “At Microsoft, our mission is to empower every person on the planet to do more and assistive technology is a vital part of that mission. Our partnership with Al Noor Center and Assistive Tech-X 2015 helps further our vision of individuals empowered by technology. The expo has been a great success and has helped spread awareness on how technology plays a major role in creating inclusive learning environment and improves the quality of life for many.”

Ms. Isphana Al Khatib, Director, Al Noor Training Centre, expressed her enthusiasm about the initiative saying, “Awareness is the first step to making a change or difference. And we are extremely delighted with the positive awareness that has been created around AT during the event.  The participation of parents, students, exhibitors, guests and sponsors look so promising. We thank the government and the sponsors for sharing the common goals as Al Noor Training Centre towards corporate citizenship.”

Ms. Maya Hojeij, the Editor in chief and Presenter of #Mal program in Dubai TV, and an Instructor at the American University in Dubai hosted an interactive session with parents, engaging and encouraging them to comprehend the possibilities of AT.  She shared her experience saying, “I thank Al Noor Training Centre for giving me an opportunity to contribute towards the awareness initiative and I am hopeful that the potential of will bridge the gap between disability and ability in coming years.”

Windows 10 was the title sponsor of the event while other supporters of the event were Consort World-the house of Assistive Technology, Eye Tracking and IT Services, MADA – The Qatar Assistive Technology Center, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting people with disabilities to the world of information and communication technology, Smart World, Visionaire Dubai Leading Technologies,   International Printing Press, Epic Reels & Motivate Publishing.