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Dubai: Every special needs traveller needs mobility without hindrance, Majid Al Hussaini, a 31-year-old Emirati who has been paralysed since childhood, told an international conference on Wednesday.
"I want to move without obstacles wherever I go and I want to do it independently," said Al Hussaini when he shared his experiences at the International Tourism Development Forum for People with Special Needs in the Middle East.
Nearly 10 per cent, or 30 million individuals out of the 300 million people in the Arab world, are physically challenged and need special care.
The suffering of a special needs traveller begins when he enters an airport, according to Al Hussaini, who is also head of the special needs unit at Dubai Sports Council.
Narrow entrances, narrow aeroplane corridors and very small toilets are some of the problems at airports, he said.
"On one trip the plane started taking off while I was still in my wheelchair waiting to be seated," said Al Hussaini.
He called for legislation to enforce the rights of special needs people.
Maria Nyman, policy officer at the European Disability Forum, an organisation that represents the interests of some 50 million people in Europe, said new legislation was passed in the EU to protect the rights of special needs people.
Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, said the forum emphasises the rights of special needs people and strengthens the idea of equal rights.
What can be done to enhance quality of travel for people with special needs? DO you know of any such programmes in other countries? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form bellow to send your comments.
Your comments
As a wheelchair user, I have visited Dubai on many occasions and found the majority of people to be courteous and accommodating in most areas. But there are keys issues which are troubling such as the lack of adapted hotel rooms in general and few adapted toilet facilities in publicly accessible places. Legislation can be a thorny approach, but not without its merits as long as it follows the 'social model for disability and focuses on equality of human rights for all.
Ray
Richmond, North Yorks,United Kingdom
Posted: May 22, 2008, 11:39
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