Promoting the health of persons with disabilities is one of the main priorities for achieving comprehensive and sustainable development in the country. Persons with disabilities constitute an important part of the social continuum and may face special challenges that affect their quality of life and their ability to contribute to the society development. Therefore, developing a comprehensive national policy for the promotion of the health of persons with disabilities is a vital step to provide an environment that guarantees them a dignified and sustainable life.

This policy requires a comprehensive vision that includes providing appropriate health services, providing supportive infrastructure, and enhancing community awareness of their health needs. In addition, this policy must be based on the principles of equality, with a focus on improving access to health services, providing opportunities for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, and removing barriers that prevent their full integration into society.

This policy aims to address the health challenges faced by persons with disabilities, considering the diversity of their needs and circumstances. It also seeks to enhance multi-sectoral cooperation to ensure sustainable outcomes and improve the quality of life for all individuals, regardless of their physical or psychological abilities.

Proposed vision for the National Policy for the Promotion of the Health of Persons with Disabilities in the UAE is: "Providing a comprehensive and sustainable health system that ensures the promotion of the health of persons with disabilities, enabling them to live independently in an integrated and supportive society, reflecting the commitment to achieving equality, and contributing to the sustainable development of the UAE."

This vision expresses the country's commitment to integrating persons with disabilities into all aspects of life and ensuring the provision of high-quality health care that matches their personal needs, with a focus on empowerment and independence. The vision also reflects the UAE's ambition to be a global model in improving the health and quality of life of persons with disabilities.

Objectives:

Governance that ensures Providing comprehensive health care

•       Developing a health infrastructure equipped to meet special needs for persons with disabilities 
•       Ensuring that persons with disabilities have access to integrated health services, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
•       Developing and updating supportive policies and legislation

Promoting health awareness

•       Launching health awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing the community's understanding of the health needs of persons with disabilities.
•       Educating persons with disabilities and their families about the importance of preventive health care and managing chronic conditions.

Promoting health and social inclusion

•       Ensuring the integration of persons with disabilities into society by providing a supportive health environment that suits their needs.
•       Involving persons with disabilities and their families in decision-making regarding health policies.

Improving the quality of health services

•       Training healthcare providers to deal with persons with disabilities efficiently and sensitively.
•       Developing specialized health programs that meet the needs of persons with disabilities in all their categories.

Supporting innovation and using technology

•       Providing innovative technical solutions such as assistive devices and smart health applications to enhance their independence.
•       Using technology to provide remote health services and facilitate access to healthcare.

Promoting research and studies

•       Supporting studies and research related to the health of persons with disabilities to better understand their needs and develop evidence-based policies.

Achieving integration with other sectors

•       Coordinating with the education, labour, and community development sectors and other concerned entities to ensure integrated health care that enhances the capabilities of persons with disabilities to support their participation in society.

Community Participation

Community participation is a vital element in developing a comprehensive national policy to promote the health of persons with disabilities, as this participation contributes to achieving many important benefits for a deeper understanding of needs, as involving persons with disabilities, their families, and community members helps identify the actual challenges and health needs facing this group, ensuring the design of realistic and appropriate policies to ensure that the policy takes into account the views and experiences of different groups. Accordingly, we hope to share the views of community members through the following:

Questions that can be asked to members of the UAE community as part of analysing the current situation to prepare the national policy to promote the health of persons with disabilities:

We ask you to participate in the survey and provide your opinions and suggestions, which will contribute to the development of effective policies that meet the needs of persons with disabilities and support them. 

Notes: All answers will be treated with complete confidentiality. Please answer all questions accurately and honestly