Foundation reveals fund winners

ABU DHABI // The Emirates Foundation has announced 13 winners in its competition to receive financing for projects designed to improve the education and training of special-needs Emiratis. One of the winning applicants, The British University in Dubai, will use the funding to research opportunities for integrating special-needs students into state schools. Another winner, the Rashid Paediatric Therapy Centre in Dubai, plans to establish a unit specifically to help children by using sign language and electronic communication devices. The unit will provide a library of communication aids to be loaned as needed.

Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs and Minor Affairs will launch a project called "Therapy Through Art" for more than 400 people. Three artists will work on the project in partnership with Abu Dhabi Music and Art Foundation, scheduled for March and September this year, and March 2010. "We are delighted to back such a wide range of initiatives that will decrease discrimination and increase inclusion for people with special needs all over the UAE," said Dr Mona al Bahar, senior executive adviser at the Emirates Foundation.

The Emirates Foundation also backs many programmes for special-needs people. These include workshops to raise awareness of needs and rights, teacher training and salaries for specialist staff. hhassan@thenational.ae