Athlete from UAE Special Olympics advocates for authentic representation and integration of individuals with disabilities
Chaica Al Qasimi, a martial artist and global voice for disability rights, is a prominent self-advocate for People of Determination (PoD) in the UAE. Ruqayya Alqaydi, a Special Correspondent, delves into Al Qasimi's mission to bring about genuine inclusion in the country.
Al Qasimi has been vocal about the challenges faced by PoD in the UAE, such as discrimination in employment, high unemployment rates, and pervasive bullying. She has called for an end to discriminatory hiring practices, urging workplaces to hire PoD and create a more inclusive environment.
One of Al Qasimi's primary concerns is education. Some schools in the UAE still refuse to admit children with disabilities, and specialised education remains expensive. Al Qasimi has called for affordable payment plans in schools and universities for PoD, and has outlined a clear vision of what true inclusion should look like, focusing on education, employment, and healthcare.
Al Qasimi has emphasised the importance of encouraging independence and allowing PoD to leave their homes and explore the UAE. She has urged society to take responsibility and legal action to accept disabilities and implement her vision for genuine inclusion.
Al Qasimi has also highlighted the need for stronger protections against bullying in educational institutions. She has called for inclusive programs in the UAE to be more prevalent, and for society to focus on the legal work of inclusivity rather than just access to fun activities.
In her crusade for inclusion, Al Qasimi has been involved in training other PoD, empowering women with disabilities, and running an 'Advocacy in the desert' program. She has carried the torch for the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi and has represented the MENA region at the United Nations, advocating for the importance of making "the invisible visible."
Al Qasimi champions the use of social media and other platforms to amplify the voices of PoD. She believes the answer to combating these challenges lies in empowering PoD to speak for themselves. She urges encouraging PoD to speak up without silencing them, and has emphasised the importance of using easy-to-read language in all forms of communication.
Despite the challenges, there are families of PoD in the UAE who struggle in silence, hiding their children at home with no food or water. Al Qasimi's mission to bring about genuine inclusion in the UAE is a beacon of hope for these families, and a call to action for society to do better.
Al Qasimi's crusade for inclusion is a testament to her unwavering commitment to the rights of PoD. Her voice is a powerful reminder that every individual, regardless of their abilities, deserves to be seen, heard, and included.
