ABU DHABI // People with disabilities have received a boost from the Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care and Special Needs, which has signed an agreement to promote social responsibility and fire safety in the capital.
The community partnership agreement with AssetCo, an international fire and rescue services firm, will secure fire systems at the Foundation's affiliated buildings in Abu Dhabi.
It will ensure the best safety measures are in place as well as secure fire systems throughout its affiliate centres and buildings across Abu Dhabi. The value of the pact was not disclosed.
"We want to make sure that, before we offer our services, we guarantee that all safety conditions are met for our residents - persons with special needs and orphans who are indeed our children - and staff members," said Mohammed Mohammed Fadel al Hamli, the foundation's secretary general.
The foundation works to involve various parts of society, including the private sector, in providing services for those with special needs. Such a partnership, it believes, allows private companies to enhance their social responsibility through volunteer efforts.
George Hojeige, the general manager of Marafek Engineering, said if the UAE wants to be in line with the international market such measures are the least that need to be implemented.
"This move is essential in ensuring easy mobility," he said. "Such safety requirements are already in place in many cities."
Savaria, a division of Marafek, designs, manufactures and sells products for those who require services that enhance their mobility. Its products include stair lifts and stair chairs, commercial wheelchair lifts and home elevators.
"Safety measures are a requirement for all those with disabilities," Mr Hojeige said. "If a building is not fully equipped, how will a person in a wheelchair get out? Some buildings do have ramps but they are far too steep."
He believes even though people are opening up to the issue of disability, it is still taboo in the region. "We have sold 26 special evacuation chairs to Dubai Metro who have put them in each station in case of any emergency, the chair can climb down the stairs safely," he said.
AssetCo has been active in the Emirates previously, signing a £40 million (Dh234.3m) deal with the Government last March to provide fire fighting services including training, equipment and facilities management.
It has also won a 10 year partnership to develop a 100-acre (40.4 hectare) emergency service training centre that is to open in 2012.