Takamul evaluates employment experiences of people with special needs

Takamul intends to use the collected information to build a system through which effective training and employment programs are developed and implemented to achieve gainful employment for people with special needs. The two day activity was part of Takamul's plan to identify the most effective system or employment model applicable to the UAE.

The activity cum survey was part of Takamul's plan to choose and implement specific models of employment and job placement in centers and with service providers. The survey also evaluated the skills that people with special needs posses so that employers can effectively place them in the appropriate jobs. The activity also looked at the training of administrators who employ and place people with special needs in the workplace.

The first day's activity was opened by Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, member of the board at DCSS and Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication at RTA. In her speech, Dr. Aysha expressed her appreciation to Takamul's initiative for this segment of the society, and more particularly employment that has long been forgotten. She urged Takamul to accelerate this process. The team of experts from Takamul i.e. Dr. Sandra Willis, Dr. Steve Lydiatt and Fatma Belrehif briefed the audience on why Takamul has been created and the need for this survey. Survey forms were distributed amongst the audience for feedback and input. Based on the feedback, modifications to the questionnaire were made for the next day. Dina Al Jaflah, head of the Ladies Club and Manager of Jumeriah Golf Estates was also present.

The session on the second day was opened by Dr. Haidar Al Yousuf, the Executive Director of Takamul who said: "The people with special needs have remarkably proved their ability to excel and stand out in different fields of life. Through its Transition and Employment service, Takamul seeks to help and support all people with special needs with their employment requirements. Takamul aims to empower people with special needs to become successful members in their society with the application of international best practices in this field."

The Takamul team met the volunteers who were briefed on the procedure of filling out the survey. The results of the 68 survey forms will be used to develop individualized profiles for potential employment and make the potential employers aware of the skills and abilities of people with special needs. The activity was followed by dinner.