Minister inaugurates GREAT - Gulf Region Education Assistive Technology Conference 2017
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DOHA-
Minister inaugurates GREAT - Gulf Region Education Assistive Technology Conference 2017
HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, has inaugurated the Gulf Region Education Assistive Technology Conference 2017, In the presence of HE Minister of Education and Higher Education Dr Mohammed bin Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi.
The conference is being organized by Assistive Technology Center (MADA) between April 23 to 26, 2017, at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).
In his opening speech, the Minister said: “the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, spares no effort in supporting efforts aimed at raising awareness of the needs of people with disabilities and investing their abilities and potential.
"This event confirms the commitment to continue to raise and discuss the latest developments and concerns related to improving the lives of people with disabilities at all levels through information technology and integrating them into society to ensure that they can benefit from their abilities to contribute to the advancement of the State of Qatar," the Minister added.
The GREAT 2017 conference is the first of its kind in the region and focuses on education practices in Inclusive Computer Technology and Assistive Technology (AT). Industry experts will exchange information on the best practices and the current trends in the field of ICT and AT. The conference is structured in two phases, the first took place on April 23 to 24, and included intensive all-day master classes for participants pertaining to various AT topics. The second phase, on April 25 to 26, involved an opening ceremony, panel discussions and 60–90-minute educational workshops for participants.
MADA is committed to spreading awareness about PWD in Qatar and helping them stay connected in a world that is increasingly dependent on technology. Maha Al Mansouri, CEO of Mada said: “At MADA we are committed to supporting students with disabilities in Qatar, and our goal is to provide quality mainstream education for them by the end of 2018. Our GREAT conference is a huge milestone for PWD in Qatar, as it provides an ideal platform to further extend the necessary tools and knowledge needed to provide education and AT practices to those teaching PWD. This conference is a prime example of our efforts to further achieve our targets related to education. We are dedicated to providing the power of ICT, and through existing partnerships with stakeholders including the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, MADA is able to gauge its educational operations to gain the furthest possible reach within Qatar.”
The conference witnessed the signing of several memoranda of understanding between Mada and other parties in the field of communication, information technology, and assistive technology. An agreement was signed with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services from the United Arab Emirates and with the Assistive Technology Industry Association from the USA.