Aurora50’s Inclusive Workplaces Summit aims to highlight best practices, share valuable insights and inspire innovative approaches to integrating and supporting people with disabilities (people of determination or POD) and their support system providers in the workplace.
It brings together industry leaders, government representatives, POD professionals, diversity and inclusion advocates, employees who are parents of POD, and individuals dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces.
This three-day event, from 19-21 November 2024, will take place at Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, New Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi.
Be an ally to people of determination, champion inclusive workplaces, empower women of determination, foster inclusive communities and support POD families. Sign the Aurora50 pledge today.
Employing People with Disabilities (PODs)
How businesses and managers can support employees who are parents or close relatives of PODs
Visibility and recognition
Networking opportunities
Brand association
Impactful contribution
Dr Fatma Ridene of M42 promotes the inclusion of people of determination in her team – such as typist Mariam Bint Jaber, who uses her feet to type.
18 December 2024
As the Abu Dhabi government begins planning the next phase of the strategy for the coming years, here’s a look at the first version and its key milestones:
The project begins with a pilot to make Yas Island an inclusive zone in 2025; Abu Dhabi plans to become a WHO-accredited age-friendly city.
Ahmed Mehaya, Operations Manager at Proxy Medical Trading, reflects on his journey returning to work after an acquired disability and inclusive support in the UAE.
At Aurora50’s Inclusive Workplaces Summit, public speaker and powerlifter Aarti Shah shared how her Down syndrome diagnosis never stopped her from striving for a promising future.
17 December 2024
Etihad engineer Marco Giovannoli shares his journey of stroke recovery, transitioning back to work and embracing a new approach to his profession
Inspiring interviews with Noura Farag, Aarti Shah, Marco Giovannoli, Nadi Choueiri and Ahmed Mehaya at Aurora50’s Inclusive Workplaces on finding fulfilling work.
16 December 2024
Speakers at Arora50’s Inclusive Workplaces Summit – including HE Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak and HE Abdulla Al Humaidan – say the UAE is on a journey to inclusion.
12 December 2024
Education experts stress the importance of tailored learning and skill development programmes to open doors during Aurora50’s inaugural Inclusive Workplaces Summit.
Social engagement and friendship are vital for the wellbeing of POD. Aurora50 speaks to Heroes of Hope and Best Buddies UAE about building inclusive communities.
At Aurora50’s inaugural Inclusive Workplaces Summit, senior leaders who are parents of people of determination shared workplace solutions in a compelling panel discussion.
10 December 2024
Noura Farag, Learning & Development Administrator at Conrad Abu Dhabi, shares her journey to a meaningful career and making a difference in the workplace as a person of determination.
“Music doesn’t see disability,” says Nadi Choueiri, a sound engineer, DJ instructor and founder of Dubai DJ school Spin Music who lives with vision loss from Stargardt disease.
With inclusivity as a cornerstone, POD can drive innovation in the UAE, says Aurora50 co-founder HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan.
20 November 2024
From Sanad to Esaad and Hafilat to Fazaa Hemam, the cards, permits, exemptions, benefits & discounts to apply for as a POD, by emirate.
19 November 2024
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is an awareness tool designed to help individuals with hidden disabilities signal their need for support.
14 November 2024
How to be mindful of how people of determination – disabled people – interact with you online, as consumers or employees.
13 November 2024
Aurora50’s Inclusive Workplaces Summit, from 19-21 November, focuses on people of determination (POD) – a critical area of inclusivity.
11 November 2024
Did you know 60% of people without disabilities use an accessibility feature designed for people of determination?
24 October 2024
Five tips for people with ADHD at work – optimal ways to keep a to do list and day planner, how to tackle complex tasks, ways to work at the computer and fidgeting to focus.
3 October 2024
Do you know what the UAE’s symbol for People of Determination represents? It emphasises that POD are active members of society – independent, self-determined people.
2 October 2024
Private and public sectors should work together on inclusive workplaces, says SEDRA CEO Reem Al Fahim.
11 November 2023
The conference agenda will be carefully considered with the support and advice of the Advisory Board and will largely include people of determination in its organisation and delivery.
Founder and CEO, Topland
Founder, Incluzun
Special Needs Advisor, M42
Founder & CEO, The Butterfly
Learning & Development Administrator , Conrad
Executive Director, Best Buddies
Director of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, NMC Healthcare
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| Day 1: Inclusive Workplaces Summit 2024 | |
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration and welcome coffee |
| 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM | Opening Remarks Aurora50 co-founder HH Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan |
| 9:20 AM – 9:50 AM | Keynote Presentation: Disability (Inclusion & Global) and UAE Perspectives
HE Hessa Abdulrahman Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development Sector, Ministry of Community Development |
| 9:50 AM – 10:20 AM | Fireside chat: Government strategy and support, Abu Dhabi Emirate
Sara Bachar, People Of Determination Senior Specialist, Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) |
| 10:20 AM – 10:30 AM | Break |
| 10:30 AM – 11:20 AM | Panel Discussion: Leading the Way in Inclusion and Accessibility
Showcasing successful initiatives and projects in the inclusion and accessibility sector Kevin Baskerville, Special Needs Advisor, M42 Moderator: Manar Al Ramhi, Manager of clinical education, national Reference Laboratory |
| 11:20 AM – 12:20 PM | Guided Tour: Inclusive Practices in Action A tour around Zayed Higher Organiation for People of Determination and their different departments employing POD, highlighting practical implementations of inclusive practices. |
| 12:20 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch Break Enjoy a networking lunch with fellow attendees. |
| 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Inspirational Fireside Chat: Stories of Success
Personal success stories and impactful journeys of inclusion Dr Fatma Ridene, Senior Vice President, Clinical Development, M42 |
| 1.30PM – 1:50 PM | Workshop: Statement of Inclusivity
Kevin Baskerville, Special Needs Advisor, M42 |
| 1:50 PM – 2:10 PM | Keynote speech: The importance of collaboration and lifelong support:
Dania Aladhami, Civil Engineer – Environment Health and Safety Department, Zayed Higher Organization |
| 2:10 PM – 3:00 PM | Innovation Lounge: Exploring New Frontiers in Inclusion
Hult University, Birmingham University Dubai, Sorbonne University, Higher College of Technology, Elite Private School Interactive Experience: Immersive Reality Room
Topland team * Parallel activities – attendees will be divided into two groups, and switch after 25 minutes. |
| 3:00 PM | Closing Remarks for Day 1 |
| Day 2: Inclusive Workplaces Summit 2024 | |
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration and morning coffee |
| 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM | Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative
Madeeha Rahim Rasool, Operations Manager, Topland |
| 9:20 AM – 10:00 AM | Fireside chat: Shaping the Future of Employment for POD An insightful presentation addressing employment challenges and innovations, and breaking taboos in the workplace for people of determination (POD). Marilena di Coste, CEO and Founder, The ButterflyKevin Baskerville, Special Education Needs Advisor, M42 |
| 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM | Panel Discussion: Navigating Employment opportunities for POD
A deep dive into the opportunities in the employment sector for POD, including support systems, government initiatives and best practices. Maisa Obeid, Manager, Accessibility Sustainability Assurance, Expo City Moderator: Geethy Panicker, SVP and Head of Risk Strategy and Appetite, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) |
| 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM | Coffee break |
| 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Fireside Chat: Returning to Work after Acquired Disability
Marco Giovannoli, Senior Aeronautical Engineer, Etihad Moderator: Geethy Panicker, SVP and Head of Risk Strategy and Appetite, First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) |
| 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM | Voices of People of Determination: Personal Challenges and Triumphs
Personal stories highlighting the challenges and experiences in the workplace. Aarti Shah – Bollywood actress and power lifter |
| 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | Lunch Break A chance to relax and network with other attendees over lunch or visit the Innovation lounge and learn about new ways of inclusion. |
| 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM | Focus Group Sessions: Breaking Taboos, Exploring Employment Possibilities
*Focus groups:
Focus groups will be limited to 10 attendees and will run for 30 minutes each. Participants will switch groups every 30 minutes to broaden their knowledge. |
| 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM | Accessibility and Inclusion of Workspaces
After learning about different disabilities through focus groups company representatives will be able to understand the practical implementation of accessibility and inclusion:
Dr Sumaira Kiran Charles, MBBS, Cert. Healthcare Management (USA), Certified Professional Medical Coder (USA) |
| 3:00 PM | Closing Remarks for Day 2 Wrap-up and summary of key takeaways from the day’s sessions. |
| Day 3: Inclusive Workplaces Summit 2024 | |
| 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM | Registration and Welcome Coffee |
| 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Inspiring speech: Social Lives of People of Determination, Their Caregivers and Support System Focus of the session is on inclusive social life for POD from a young age, showcasing different initiatives in developing social skills. Peter Wheeler, Executive Advisor, Best Buddies UAE |
| 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM | Panel discussion: Understanding different needs, support system for employees, parents of POD A focus on recognising and supporting employees who are parents or close relatives of POD, emphasising their crucial role in the support system and daily needs and challenges that might defer from most employees. Sylvia Kluge, Head of Service Quality Operational Project, Siemens Energy |
| 9:50 AM – 10:35 AM | Voices of People of Determination: Overcoming Limits
Noura Farag, Learning & Development Admin, Conrad Abu Dhabi |
| 10:35 AM – 10:45 AM | Break |
| 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM | Exploring Support Mechanisms: Preparing POD for Employment
Carel Van der Merwe, Quality and Assessment Director, Ras Al Khaimah Department of Knowledge Moderator: Elham Alawadhi, Senior Superintendent – Process Control, Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) |
| 11:30 AM – 12:15 PM | Panel Discussion: Hospitality Industry as a Leading Example in Employing People of Determination Focuses on showcasing examples of employment of POD, with panellists’ experience insights and practical advices on where to start and how to be fully inclusive. Rebecca Hatcher – POD Employee with Warner Brothers Hotel, Special Olympic World Champion Swimmer X 2, Hyrox Athlete, Games of Hope Athlete |
| 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM | Lunch Break An opportunity to relax and network with other attendees over lunch, and explore innovative inclusive education and social life ideas by visiting the Innovation lounge. |
| 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM | Panel Discussion: Organisations on the Frontline A conversation on the efforts and initiatives taken by specialised organisations working directly with POD of different ages and how these impact their future employment opportunities. Kim Smith, Senior Program Officer, SEDRA Moderator: Elham Alawadhi, Senior Superintendent- process control |
| 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM | Keynote Speech: Educational Support and the Importance of Adjusted Learning Support System (with site visit to the inclusive classroom)
Dr Catherine O’Farrell, CEO, Consultant & Corporate Leader, Incluzun |
| 2:30 PM – 2:40 PM | Closing Remarks Wrap-up of the conference and a final chance to network with fellow attendees. |
