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The United Arab Emirates University hosted the first Al Ain Forum for the disabled in cooperation with Al Ain Municipality, the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs and a number of other government and semi-governmental organizations, His Excellency Dr. Ali Al Noaimi, Vice Chancellor of UAEU, Dr. Matar Al Nuaimi, General Manager of Al Ain Municipality, officials from various government agencies and a group of disabled people were all in attendance on Wednesday 15^th April, 2015 in the Great Hall in UAEU’s Crescent Building.

The Forum opened with the national anthem in sign language presented by students from the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs. This was followed by a short film of the services for the disabled provided by Al Ain Municipality, and their future plans. The forum began with the submission of questions to officials who responded to requests for special needs services in terms of health, education and infrastructure to better serve disabled people in various institutions and public places.

The forum represented an opportunity for disabled people to bring their concerns to the officials. These issues related to employment and training, activation of disability cards, equipping buildings, schools, universities and transportation for easier access, and providing appropriate curricula. Also discussed was the provision of sign language interpreters in a number of locations. The meeting ended by thanking the participants and the disabled people who had attended.