Middle East Debuts First Interactive Showroom for People of Determination

Photo : WAM

The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO) has launched a groundbreaking interactive showroom at its headquarters in Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi. This showroom is the first of its kind in the Middle East and represents a significant advancement in supporting People of Determination and promoting innovation in assistive technology.

The showroom features several distinct zones designed to address various needs and facilitate daily life for individuals and businesses. These include:

• Innovation Zone: Showcases cutting-edge assistive technologies, such as the non-surgical hearing device "HEARNU," which utilizes bone conduction technology to aid those with hearing impairments.

• Education Zone: Provides resources and training to enhance the use of assistive technology in educational settings, helping individuals with determination to better engage in learning.

• Hospitality Zone: Highlights technologies and solutions designed to improve accessibility and inclusivity in hospitality environments.

A notable highlight of the showroom is the Autism Virtual Reality Experience. This immersive experience allows non-autistic individuals to gain a deeper understanding of the sensory challenges faced by those on the autism spectrum. The virtual reality setup aims to foster empathy and raise community awareness about autism.

The showroom has been established in collaboration with "Topland," which contributed advanced technological solutions. This partnership reflects a shared vision to empower People of Determination through innovative technology.

In addition to showcasing these technologies, the interactive showroom will host workshops and training sessions. These sessions are designed to help individuals and their families effectively use the showcased technologies in their daily lives.

Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of ZHO, emphasized the importance of education in this initiative. He noted that the showroom includes two interactive rooms. The first room simulates autism and is modeled after a successful program in the United Kingdom that attracts over 200,000 visitors annually. This room is intended to raise awareness among educators, medical staff, and other stakeholders about the challenges faced by People of Determination.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The second room is dedicated to educational simulations, offering over 350,000 scenarios to train People of Determination in managing daily life activities, overcoming fears, and achieving social integration.

Al Humaidan highlighted that these programs are initially for trial purposes, followed by specialized training sessions that will last at least one hour. These sessions aim to educate trainees on managing specific cases and improving interactions with People of Determination.

Through this initiative, ZHO aims to drive innovation in assistive technology, promote independence, and enhance the active participation of People of Determination in society.