Qatar further stressed its commitment towards upholding rights of persons with disabilities as enshrined in the UN Convention with yesterday’s launch of ‘Guide on Best Practices on Supporting Independent Living and for People with Disabilities.’
The guide was prepared by Mada Assistive Technology Centre in cooperation with the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) in line with their keenness and mutual objectives of promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and enabling them to live independently and participate in the development of the society.
“The launch of Guide on Best Practices on Supporting Independent Living for People with Disabilities is a significant step towards the achievement of providing the best environment for people with disabilities. It encompasses several factors focusing on human rights, economic and social development. It is the best example of Qatar’s commitment to abide by international agreements specially the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities which provides them the right to live as independently as possible, provides their needs and strengthens respect and dignity,” said Maha Al Mansouri, Mada CEO.
Al Mansouri underlined the fact that the Guide clearly demonstrates Mada’s commitment to execute Article 19 of the Convention which “states that parties to the present Convention recognize the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live in the community, with choices equal to others, and shall take effective and appropriate measures to facilitate full enjoyment by persons with disabilities of this right and their full inclusion and participation in the community.”
She also stressed on the role of assistive technology to support independent living for people with disabilities as a basic need to keep their independence providing them with devices, techniques the best solutions for their environments.
“The Qatar National Vision 2030 serves as a clear roadmap for the economic, human, social and environmental development of Qatar. The growth of our country is dependent on the cooperation and efforts of all living in Qatar, and therefore it is our responsibility to cater to all people effectively, support their ability to live independently,” she said, adding Mada not only on supporting persons with disabilities but also enabling their environment to ensure they have all they need to live independently.
Mariam Al Attiya, NHRC Secretary General, said the event was a clear example of NHRC’s interest in the promotion of the rights of people disabilities and strengthening the mutual cooperation between NHRC and Mada to enable persons with disabilities to live independently and provide them with the suitable environment and the best assistive technology for them to live as normally as possible.
The launch of the Guide, which was held at Four Seasons Hotel Doha, was followed by a workshop on ‘Best Practices on Independent Living’ by Professor Jonathan Hassell, during which he discussed low tech aids, assistive living technologies, Smart homes, Smart cities, independent living in Qatar for people with disabilities and the importance of policy, among other topics.
