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In a speech at the opening of the Second National Autism Forum under the theme "Challenges & Achievements", HE the Minister of Transport and Communications stressed the importance of collective efforts by all parties concerned with the persons with disabilities to develop their skills and help them become a key component of the society.

 

 

 

 

The speech read as follows:

 

"Dear Excellences,

Distinguished Attendees,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

It is my pleasure to welcome you all today to the second National Autism Forum, a major event in addressing autism, and the importance of combining the efforts of multiple entities to develop the skills of people with autism and to discuss how they can be enabled to fully participate in society.

Qatar, under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar, is sparing no effort in supporting and promoting initiatives and efforts that raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities, including children with autism.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) has a number of programs and initiatives that support the various segments of society in the State of Qatar. MOTC supports people with disabilities and their families through the Qatar Assistive Technology Center (MADA), which exerts commendable efforts to support this important sector, not only in order to fully integrate people with disabilities into society, but also to explore and develop their skills and use them to serve our country in line with the aspirations of the Qatar National Vision 2030.

There is no doubt that people with autism are an important part of our society, enjoying high intelligence and possessing significant innovative skills. The Ministry’s support to them is a societal duty.

The Ministry also recognizes the importance of forums and events such as this one to discuss best practices and ways to improve the care and services provided to people with disabilities and their families, through unifying efforts at the national level between government and semi-government entities, along with other organizations and institutions.

To conclude, I would like to thank His Excellency Dr. Issa bin Saad Al-Naimi, Minister of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs, for his support of Qatar Autism Families Association, and I hope that this forum will deliver recommendations and proposals that we can build on to support this segment of society and achieve benefit for all.

I wish you all a successful event."