On Behalf of 

Business and Finance Club - Dubai - Medicine: Government organisations and departments who took initiatives to support people with special needs were honoured in a ceremony on Wednesday.

The Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre held an honouring ceremony under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre, and Shaikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum.

The event was held to honour government organisations that provide substantial support for the centre specifically, and individuals with special needs generally.

The ceremony, which took place in the Burj Al Arab, was attended by Shaikha Shamma Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who received a publication by the centre that documents the progress of the centre and the support it received from the honoured government organisations throughout the years.

"The latest publication that is titled Green Hands ... a Mission and Inspiration is documenting a new stage of charitable and humanitarian work which is aimed at building a better and brighter future for individuals with special needs," said Shaikh Ahmad, in a statement.

Realities

Shaikh Ahmad also emphasised the importance of the media to highlight the reality of individuals with special needs and their noble message locally.

Mariam Othman, Director of Rashid Pediatric Therapy Centre said; "Dubai's involvement in humanitarian activities has progressed greatly in the last five to six years. This has contributed immensely in the process of trying to integrate individuals with special needs amongst society. With the services that many of these government organisations have provided for individuals with special needs, it has been easier for centres like us to help them develop and try to become more independent,"

Mariam explained how the initiatives by the honoured governmental organisations have a great impact on educating the society about individuals with special needs.

"Having services provided for individuals with special needs everywhere you go, is a tool of educating society and raising awareness. Families of individuals with special needs no longer need to worry about the difficulty of allowing their child to go out, mingle with society, have a job or even attend to his or her own needs."