UAE's ZHO commemorates World Braille Day

Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) affirmed its commitment to enhance the dissemination and use of the writing system for the blind or visually impaired through touch, known as “Braille,” in all aspects of life.

This commitment stems from its dedication to supporting efforts to empower and integrate people of determination into society by providing the highest standards of care and rehabilitation for all categories under its care, especially the blind and visually impaired.

Abudalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, stated that the UAE, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, places special importance on empowering and integrating people of determination into society. This ensures their effective participation in the journey of development and progress. Al Humaidan highlighted that the blind are a category receiving full support from the state, referring to the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra region and Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), regarding the provision of the first Braille printer.

In a press statement ahead of the World Braille Day, he added that as a result of this directive, the Braille Printing Press for the Blind was established in 2000 under the ERC. Actual work began in 2001, guided by the noble vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, and the esteemed directives of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the Nation), Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).

The establishment and formation of the press in its early stages carried the message of its creation from Sheikh Hamdan, along with H.H. Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan, the Assistant to Chairman of the ERC for Women’s Affairs.