As part of its efforts to empower people with disabilities and develop the quality of community services, the Social Care Sector at the Community Development Authority (CDA) in Dubai has launched “Elkayt” programme. The initiative aims at qualifying people with disabilities and preparing them to join the workforce, and highlights CDA’s commitment to strengthen the pillars of social protection.
Not only does the "ElKayt" programme provide job opportunities for people with disabilities but it extends to rehabilitation and training, mentoring and developing the skills that contribute to personal and professional development.
H.E Mr. Khaled Al Kamda, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai, said during the media briefing that was held at CDA’s headquarters: “We believe that empowering people with disabilities is one of the most important duties imposed on society along with the governmental and private sectors. This segment of the society should be treated like the rest of the community and we should make use of their capabilities especially that they have proven to show remarkable potential in the workplace when given the chance.”
His Excellency Al Kamda pointed out that despite the great efforts and the many initiatives launched by the United Arab Emirates in general and Dubai in particular in the area of integrating people with disabilities in the community, the reality proves the existence of a gap between the aspirations of the government in this area and the number and nature of jobs available in the labor market for them.
He also added: “We at the Community Development Authority have taken on the role of being the missing link between people with disabilities who have the basic qualifications and are able to work and the authorities and establishments in both the public and private sectors”.
He concluded: “The launch of the "Elkayt" programme to employ people with disabilities meets the requirements of social development, and is in line with the strategic objectives of the Community Development Authority in Dubai. We will continue our support for this category to enable and activate their role in society in various fields to achieve a solid and interdependent community.”
Sheikh Maktoum Bin Butti Al Maktoum, CEO – Social Care, said: “The objective of Elkayt programme is not only to find a suitable job for people with disabilities, it also helps to evaluate and measure individual performance. The programme assists in finding jobs that suit the abilities and skills of the people. Vocational guidance and individual follow-up will ensure continuity to their personal development.”
“We facilitate enrollment in the workforce through partnerships with government and non-government organizations and corporations, training them as per professional recommendations in the areas that need improvement and training employers on how to manage and accommodate the needs of the candidates. Consultation will also be provided on venue’s accessibility, job descriptions, people with disabilities and employers rights and responsibilities. In addition, training and counseling will be provided for both those who are employed and their co-workers on professional and social related issues,” added Sheikh Maktoum.
Elkayt is the Arabic name for a small boat attached to a ship, serving as a vital link between the ship and the port. Although small in size, the boat is immensely resourceful during emergencies. CDA selected the name to highlight how people with disabilities have capabilities that make them pillars of the community once they are provided with the right opportunity to explore their skills.
