TRA leads discussion with partners and the public to ensure service access by people with Special Needs

Mobilk - The Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) began consulting partners and the public regarding special instructions by accredited UAE service providers. The move comes as TRA seeks to ensure the active and effective participation by the telecommunications sector in the essential provision of services to those with special needs.

H.E Mohamed Nasser Al Ghanim, Director General of TRA said: "Paying attention to this important segment in our society as considered one of the standards of civilization and part of the cultural and social values that our wise leadership has instilled within us. Our leadership has tough us to care for various segments and is keen on socially integrating these segments and provide better services appropriate for them.”

"It is fortunate that our partners within the telecommunications space also share our values when it comes to caring for people with special needs, and have the readiness and willingness to meet the requirements of this segment. We are confident that all the service providers and licensed companies in UAE will develop digital content for this sector in calculated methods allowing access from the various segments of society”.

The TRA drafted an ‘Instructions Manual’ that includes several articles centered on strengthening the role of the telecommunications sector as a whole to ensure the rights of those with special needs, while relentlessly contributing to meeting their various requirements. The TRA is currently ongoing consultations with relevant partners in the telecommunication sector and the Ministry of Social Affairs to approve the final draft.  Participation is also made open to the public through the TRA website http://www.tra.gov.ae/Consultations.php , and on its social network pages

On the other hand, key objectives of the initiative have been identified, and are represented in raising the percentage of benefits experienced by special needs from rapid growth witnessed in the country’s telecommunication sector. Licensees are urged to diversify the adopted methods in providing services to ensure this category from benefitting in a way that guarantees some level of independence in their daily life.

This initiative falls within the framework of social responsibility, and special attention is paid by the TRA through participating in many conferences, seminars and events for this purpose. Such events include "Hear my Voice" and ‘Abilities ME’.