SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
Zayed Authority for People of Determination highlighted its key initiatives to empower Deaf and hard-of-hearing people on the International Day of Sign Languages, observed annually on September 23.
The occasion highlights the importance of sign languages as complete, independent languages, and promotes the rights and inclusion of Deaf people.
Marking the occasion, Aletihad spoke to Zayed Authority for People of Determination.
The authority views sign language as “a fundamental right and a key tool for ensuring that Deaf people have equal access to education, information, services and community participation,” Shaima Salem Al Sinani, Director of the Sign Voice Programme at Zayed Authority for People of Determination said.
Among its key initiatives is the UAE Sign Language Dictionary, which contains around 5,000 words and supports Deaf education, interpreter training and the preservation of the community’s linguistic and cultural identity.
The Authority has also developed remote sign language interpreting for judicial services, expanded sign language training and supported accessible healthcare.
Its Wasfat initiative, for example, provides medication-use instructions through sign-language videos and access to interpreters for consultations.
“In this way, the principle of the ‘right to access’ is transformed from a theoretical concept into services that can be effectively used,” Al Sinani said.
Less Reliance on Interpreters
Throughout 2026, the Authority has continued developing an empowerment framework for Deaf and hard-of-hearing people, with a focus on education, access to information and technology.
In January, it signed an agreement with the Higher Colleges of Technology to support inclusive university education, including providing sign language interpreters for Deaf students during classes and examinations.
It also continues to provide electronic access to the UAE Sign Language Dictionary and the UAE-Chinese Sign Language Dictionary, supporting communication and cultural exchange.
“Ultimately, the goal is to build an integrated system that enables Deaf people to learn, develop their skills, access information and services, prepare for the labour market, and participate in society on an equal basis,” Al Sinani said.
The Authority’s services have changed significantly in recent years, with less reliance on interpreters being physically present and greater use of remote interpreting, visual content and digital solutions.
“The most significant shift has been the move from the concept of a ‘special service for Deaf people’ towards designing services from the outset in ways that take their needs into account,” she said.
Growing Role of AI
Technology and artificial intelligence are also playing a growing role. One example is the Sign Voice programme, described as “a technological solution launched by the Authority to support Deaf people through advanced systems and artificial intelligence technologies.”
Al Sinani said Deaf people should be involved in designing and testing emerging technologies to ensure they respond to their needs.
“The ultimate goal is not technology in itself, but rather using technology to make services more accessible, faster, more independent and easier to use,” it said.
The Authority also aims to further integrate sign language and accessibility into education, employment, services and information systems, while expanding digital solutions, remote interpreting and support for Deaf youth.
It highlighted Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the 20th World Congress of the World Federation of the Deaf from September 19 to 23, 2027, as an opportunity to exchange global expertise on Deaf rights, sign languages and accessibility.
On the International Day of Sign Languages, Al Sinani said: “Sign language is not merely a means of communication; it is a language, an identity, a culture, and a right to access and participation.”
“An inclusive society does not ask Deaf people to adapt to the world around them on their own. Instead, it works to remove barriers,” she added.