Sharjah Museums takes part in Abilities ME Exhibition and Conference

The Sharjah Museums Department has participated in the Abilities ME Exhibition and Conference, as part of its on-going commitment to providing top facilities for, and spreading awareness of, the special needs community.

Abilities ME is held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyanbin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, and Honorary President of the Future Centre for Special Needs in Abu Dhabi. It is the first event of its kind in the region, with a focus on supporting people with disabilities as well as special needs communities. It does this through a variety of means, including encouraging the development of both Government and civil society regulations and policies and supporting companies involved in the manufacture of special needs equipment.

“By participating in Abilities ME we are cementing our commitment to enhancing inclusiveness at all Sharjah Museums, as well as highlighting our on-going dedication to providing education and facilities for and about the special needs community,” Manal Ataya, Director Generalof SMD, said. “We are also proud to announce that we are the Community Awareness Partner for Abilities ME 2014, as part of our rich Social Responsibility Initiative.”

The Abilities ME exhibition is accompanied by a Conference with a rich workshop and presentation schedule. Sheikh Nahyanbin Mubarak Al Nahyan will be opening the conference, which features keynote speakers from around the world, including Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee.

The Department of Interpretation and Education was established simultaneously with the foundation of the Sharjah Museums Department (SMD), to provide a wide range of educational programmes across its museums, including programmes tailored to special needs communities, promoting disability education. It runs an ongoing initiative under the theme ‘Sharjah Museums are Accessible to All’, which consists of programmes geared towards increasing interaction between the disabled and special needs communities and the wider community.

Abilities ME 2014 isbeing held from 24^th to 26^th March, 2014, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (10am to 6pm daily).