The Qatar Assistive Technology Centre (Mada) has signed three partnership agreements with local, regional and global organisations at the first Gulf Region Education Assistive Technology (GREAT) Conference 2017 in Doha.

These strategic agreements, signed at the Qatar National Convention Centre, will help provide the necessary technological tools and information required to develop and enhance education curriculum specifically designed for persons with disabilities (PwDs). The partnerships will also promote an adoption of the latest practices in assistive technology within the field of education, according to a statement.

"As part of our commitment to support persons with disabilities in Qatar, we have signed a number of strategic agreements to further develop and improve education for PwDs. These agreements will play an important role in developing the assistive technology sector in Qatar and in the region, through implementations and advisory on the best practices when it comes to education for PwD,” said Maha al-Mansouri, CEO, Mada.

The first agreement was signed with the Training and Educational Development Centre from the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in Qatar. The agreement was to co-operate and help students with different abilities through the provision of assistive technology and strengthen the number of support teachers in Qatar. Mada will ensure that there is orderly and fair access to assistive technology for students with disabilities in schools, through training support teachers at the Mada centre, the statement notes.

The second agreement was signed with Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in the UAE. This agreement will help raise the level of awareness and training for specialised teams and workers in the field of assistive technology. This will include programmes that raise awareness and bring education, as well as upgrades in the services provided to users of assistive technology, and further co-operation in scientific research and development initiatives.

The third agreement was signed with the US Assistive Technology Industry Association. The aim of the partnership is to promote technology education and training programmes in Qatar, as well as provide optimal services for persons with disabilities and professionals who supervise them. The agreement will help launch training programmes with internationally recognised certificates.


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