Takamul and AUCD Sign Contract to Formalize Affiliation
January 18, 2007
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| Dr. Haidar Al Yousuf (R) with Dr. George Jesien at the signing of the agreement. |
United Arab Emirates—The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD) and Takamul-a Government of Dubai initiative, supervised by the Dubai Education Council (DEC)-signed a collaboration agreement in Dubai to formalize their affiliation.
AUCD is a national non-profit organization representing a network of over 80 interdisciplinary, university-based Centers dedicated to research, education, training, policy development, and direct service development for people with disabilities in the US. The AUCD University Centers are committed to promoting the principles of self-determination, family centered care, and cultural competence in disability services and supports throughout the life span.
Striving to be the apex body for disability in the UAE, Takamul envisions the inclusion of people with special needs and their families in a barrier free environment, thereby completing society with due participation from all its members.
The joint efforts are directed towards establishing Takamul as a Centre for Excellence in special needs in the UAE that will advance appropriate special needs-related policy and best practices through innovative, coordinated and sustainable research, education and service activities. Takamul's focus is holistic in nature and takes into consideration all requirements of people with special needs across their entire lifespan and encompasses all components of their lives including health, education, accessibility and employment.
Takamul began its work with AUCD in December 2005. Dr George Jesien, Executive Director, AUCD, along with representatives from a number of US Centers, in conjunction with the Takamul team and UAE-wide stakeholders, conducted a detailed gap analysis of existing services for people with special needs across Dubai to prioritize goals and outline a long-term strategic plan to improve the status of Dubai's disability services.
"AUCD is pleased and honored to enter into this partnership with the Takamul. Our joint efforts will hopefully result in benefits to the people of Dubai and the entire AUCD network of Centers as we work together to improve the quality of life for persons with special needs. Through this agreement we will have many opportunities to share and learn from each other as we work on the many facets of health, education and employment that affect the full participation of persons with disabilities and special needs," said George Jesien, Ph.D, Executive Director of AUCD.
"We are happy to cooperate with AUCD and draw on the vast experience of their many university centers in the field of special needs. Their support has been especially useful in taking the Takamul project to this level, and will be key to fulfilling our promise of delivering the best international practices. Additionally, the high goals set by Takamul will add to AUCD's international experience," said Dr. Haidar Al Yousuf, Executive Director of the Takamul.
The collaboration agreement is effective immediately and covers the educational, technical, programmatic and implementation aspects of Takamul's services.
About Takamul
A government of Dubai initiative, Takamul operates under the supervision of the Dubai Education Council (DEC), and aims to serve as the apex body for people with special needs in the UAE. It envisions the inclusion and self-determination of people with special needs and their families in a barrier-free society.
Takamul is advancing evidence-based special needs-related policy and best practices through innovative, coordinated and sustainable research, instruction and service activities in the areas of health, education, employment and accessibility.
Takamul engages in the promotion of policy that protects the rights of people with special needs. Takamul also participates in awareness based activities and recognizes the importance of including people with special needs and their families in a barrier-free society.
Since its launch on September 10th 2006, Takamul has formed partnerships with key stakeholders in local, regional and international organizations to ensure a smooth continuum of service delivery for people with special needs in all areas of life.
About AUCD
AUCD's mission is to advance policy and practice for and with people living with developmental and other disabilities, their families, and communities by supporting our members to engage in research, education, and service that support independence productivity and satisfying quality of life. The AUCD network promotes the principles of self-determination, family centered care, and cultural competence in disability services and supports throughout the life span.
AUCD members represent every state and most territories in the USA at over 80 universities and medical schools and serve as a resource for local, state, national and international agencies, organizations, and policy-makers concerned about people with disabilities and their families. Its members engage in a range of interdisciplinary activities including exemplary services for children, adults, and families, academic training, basic and applied research, training and technical assistance, policy advocacy, program evaluation; and dissemination of best practices. AUCD member organizations are all part of universities or medical centers and serve as a bridge between the university and the community, bringing together the resources of both to achieve meaningful change.
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