Groundbreaking Sign Language Diploma Initiative Launched in UAE

Emirates College for Advanced Education and the Zayed Authority for People of Determination have entered into a significant agreement aimed at enhancing educational cooperation, training, and rehabilitation services for People of Determination throughout the UAE.

This collaboration seeks to establish specialized educational programs, elevate quality assurance systems, promote scientific research, and foster national talent in special education and rehabilitation. Both parties asserted that this initiative aligns with the UAE's commitment to cultivating an inclusive society that offers equal opportunities to everyone.

According to the terms of the agreement, both organisations will design and create specialized training courses aligned with the National Qualifications Centre standards, tailored to meet the needs of People of Determination. Additionally, the partnership will prioritize developing standardized assessment tools to evaluate the professional capabilities of students and specialists in education and rehabilitation.

The partnership encompasses accredited training courses and practical training opportunities for People of Determination within certified educational pathways. It also includes the sharing of expertise in educational assessments and quality assurance methodologies.

Emirates College for Advanced Education is dedicated to facilitating the transition of People of Determination into the workforce through annual workshops focusing on inclusive education and adaptive learning methods.

His Excellency Abdullah Ismail Al Kamali, Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at the Zayed Authority, stated that this agreement aligns with the authority's strategy of fostering an integrated education and rehabilitation framework driven by innovation and quality partnerships.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration between educational institutions and rehabilitation entities in cultivating specialized national talent and developing training programs that address labour market requirements.

Dr. May Laith Al Taee, Director of Emirates College, remarked that the partnership supports the UAE leadership's goal of enhancing inclusive education, aiming to construct a future-ready educational infrastructure for all students.

The college is committed to collaborating with partners to equip educators and specialists with contemporary, research-led teaching strategies and educational technologies tailored to support People of Determination.

A key feature of this agreement is the introduction of the UAE's inaugural Level 4 Professional Diploma in Sign Language Interpretation. This program will train certified interpreters in accordance with international professional standards.

Graduates from this diploma will obtain licenses from relevant UAE authorities, enabling them to work in various sectors while enriching specialized services for the deaf community. This initiative aligns with forthcoming plans to host the World Congress of the Deaf in Abu Dhabi in 2027.

The agreement also facilitates the initiation of a joint mentoring program to share best practices in special education. Both entities will work together to produce qualified professionals in educational and rehabilitation domains while advancing Emiratisation through collaborative academic and training endeavors.

Furthermore, the partnership will offer field training and career opportunities for graduates, encouraging specialists from the authority to pursue postgraduate studies at Emirates College for Advanced Education.

This collaboration further supports joint research initiatives related to People of Determination, focusing on their rights, living conditions, sensory abilities, and teaching methodologies. Insights from these studies will contribute to the refinement of educational programs, rehabilitation services, and best practices in special education.

Officials highlighted that this partnership demonstrates the unwavering commitment of both organisations to long-term collaboration, enhancing the UAE's reputation as a global leader in inclusion, education, and empowerment for People of Determination.