Today's Edition
KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
Dubai Police has become the first Autism friendly force in the UAE after receiving a certification from the Dubai Autism Centre on Saturday.
As part of the criteria, two sensory rooms that specifically cater to people with autism have been established at Al Barsha and Al Muraqqabat police stations.
Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, the Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, officially received the Force’s Autism-Friendly Certificate (AFC) from the Dubai Autism Centre, acknowledging the force’s fulfilment of the personnel, facilities, and services criteria in creating a safe and friendly environment for people with autism.
“This commitment aims to achieve pioneering leadership and comprehensive integration for people of determination, aligning with the remarkable advancements witnessed throughout the country in various sectors. Moreover, it reinforces Dubai Police’s dedication to being a friendly and supportive entity for people of determination as an integral part of its social responsibility,” Al Marri said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Emadi, Director-General and Board Member of the Dubai Autism Centre, expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Dubai Police for their commitment to ensuring accessibility at police stations.
He highlighted that the Autism-Friendly Certificate (AFC) was awarded to Al Barsha and Al Muraqqabat police stations based on the evaluation and inspection of the criteria for creating a safe and friendly environment for individuals with autism.
Major Abdullah Hamad Al Shamsi, Chairman of Dubai Police’s People of Determination Empowerment Council, highlighted the Council’s unwavering dedication to creating inclusive facilities and buildings in accordance with the Dubai Universal Design Code.
“This pioneering initiative provides vital support to individuals with autism and underscores the importance of offering a protective and stimulating environment,” Al Shamsi said.
He further highlighted the sensory rooms’ significant role in fostering social interaction, enhancing communication skills, and providing a safe space.
“These rooms have been fully equipped to cater to the specific requirements and needs of individuals with autism. Furthermore, there is a comprehensive plan in progress to evaluate the needs of other police stations for sensory rooms in order to enhance institutional services, improve facility readiness, and ensure that individuals with autism have equal access to the services they require across different sectors without any form of discrimination,” he said.
