UAE telecommunications regulatory authority pledges support for Emirates association of the visually impaired

The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has announced its support for the Emirates Association of The Visually Impaired in a move that comes as part of the TRA's corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme that seeks to raise awareness and support people with disabilities in the Emirates. The initiative seeks to raise societal awareness of how to better facilitate and meet the needs of those with a disability. Commenting on the announcement, Mohamed Al Ghanim, TRA Director-General, said, "As part of our corporate social responsibility strategy, the TRA selects a number of key initiatives each year to provide particular support and backing. The initiatives are chosen on the basis of the work they do and the TRA strongly believes in the merit of the Emirates Association of The Visually Impaired organisation and their efforts to empower people with disabilities. "Positively, smart services and applications are continuing to explore ways to better enable the visually impaired to use mobile devices and personal computers. Many of the solutions provided have proved successful and the mission to extend the benefits of advanced ICT to this section of society is witnessing significant progress. This support will cover a number of initiative's activities including scientific seminars, training courses, educational competitions, audio books, guidance leaflets and Braille publications," he added. The Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired organises the international Exhibition and Conference of Visual Disability Technology Middle East (SightME), held every two years in February at Expo in Sharjah. This event will be supported by campaigners and specialised groups from both Arab and Foreign associations of the visually impaired with a number of well-known international and Arabic companies also taking part. The association also organises The Emirates Forum of the Blind, which is held annually in the presence of its Board of Directors and teacher organisations, parents and specialists. The association organises a range of activities to celebrate the international "White Cane Safety Day", held annually on October 15th which aims to spread awareness of people who are visually impaired and the importance of the white cane.