Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid leads the White Cane march at Expo 2020 Dubai

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His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Protection of the Rights of People of Determination, presented the White Cane Walk organized by the Ministry of Community Development in cooperation with the Emirates Association for the Visually Impaired, at the headquarters of Expo 2020 Dubai, coinciding with the International White Cane Day, which falls on the 15 October every year.

His Highness stressed that the UAE and its wise leadership pay great attention and special attention to people of determination, which is embodied in many aspects, especially the development of supporting policies and initiatives at all levels, and the constant quest to integrate them as an important, effective and capable group, as all efforts are united in order to provide the best forms of exemplary environment that It enables them to unleash their energies and participate in building their society and the future of their country, and to overcome all challenges in order to prove themselves and develop their opportunities, within a framework of participation and exemplary societal cohesion, which is expressed in this process.

The march was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, His Excellency Hessa bint Issa Buhumaid, Minister of Community Development, and Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General For the Expo 2020 Dubai office, His Excellency Abdullah Abdul Ali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, a number of officials, a group of people of determination with visual disabilities, and a group of attendees and Expo visitors, while the march was accompanied by the Dubai Police band.

On this occasion, Her Excellency Hessa bint Issa Buhumaid confirmed that participating in the "White Cane" march reflects a great social value and translates the moral and psychological feeling on the ground, as it enhances societal responsibility towards various groups of society, by giving the opportunity for everyone to experience the experience of their blind brothers with the white cane. Her Excellency pointed out the need to affirm a new societal culture towards people of determination, who enjoy exemplary independence based on the services, policies and initiatives provided to them by the UAE government and the various institutions and authorities in the country.

Her Excellency said: "Expo 2020 Dubai deserves to be described as a "friend of people of determination", because this global event embodies this category of privileges, services and facilities that make their visit to events and pavilions an exceptional experience, especially since Expo 2020 Dubai seeks to be the best in terms of facilitating The arrival of the people of determination, a fact that is confirmed today in this symbolic march that reflects the interest of the leadership, government and people of the UAE, both citizens and residents, in the category of people of determination and their happiness.

For her part, Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi said that the wide and high-level participation in the "White Cane" march is a clear evidence of the UAE's commitment to integrating all segments of society and striving towards achieving the well-being and happiness of all individuals without exception, which is clearly evident in our country's approach based on achieving Progress based on human development and the promotion of human dignity.

Her Excellency stressed that the essence of the Expo is human communication to create opportunities and build a future centered on human dignity. And to provide a distinctive and inspiring environment that develops creativity, innovation and leadership for all, which is evident in the Expo 2020 Dubai website, as we seek to enable everyone, regardless of their needs and abilities, to enjoy a safe, smooth and exceptional visitor experience to be the most accessible and most diverse and comprehensive version in the history of the World Expo.

Abdul Rahman Ahmed Al Bastaki, Director of the Emirates Association for the Visually Impaired, said: “The celebration of the International White Cane Day embodies the sincere and firm desire of community institutions and individuals to raise public awareness of the importance and necessity of using the white cane for the blind. The white cane is one of the most important tools that achieve freedom And the independence of blind people, and that its users are enhanced to have the confidence to move and move without the need for the help of others.

The association has been organizing the White Cane march annually to participate and educate the community about its importance and symbolism for the blind.”

At the conclusion of the march, the Etisalat Group presented honorary gifts to the participating people of determination, as part of its commitment to social responsibility, and emphasizing the need for interaction, support and sustainable empowerment of people of determination in the UAE.

It is worth noting that "Expo 2020 Dubai" grants its visitors of people of determination free tickets, and one of their companions receives a 50% discount, in line with the UAE's commitment to empowering people of determination everywhere, where this feature can be taken advantage of, by providing people of determination cards Governmentally approved for people in different countries of the world, such as: the People of Determination card, the “Sanad” card in the Emirates, and a letter of social security entitlement similar to the living allowance for people of determination “D.” The. A., and Personal Independence Payments B. Which. B., the European Union Card for People of Determination, the American Card for People of Determination (ADA), the French Card for People of Determination, and others.

The "Podium" application, designed specifically for people of determination, visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai, allows them to tour the event site and learn about the features available to them in each pavilion, as well as finding services to facilitate quick access to sites and events.

The list of privileges offered by the Expo to its visitors of determination includes facilitating access to help those who suffer from visual or hearing impairments, in addition to autism, intellectual weakness, dementia, light-sensitive epilepsy, or limited movement.