600 Dubai disabled register for 'Sanad Card'

A total of 588 Emirati and expatriate disabled adults and children were registered with the ‘Sanad Card’  programme that gives members a number of privileges and discounts in the emirate in the first year of the launch of the programme.

Speaking to ‘Emirates 24|7’, Khaled Al Kamda, Director-General of the Dubai Community Development Authority (CDA) said a social survey conducted in the emirate showed that there were 13,234 adults and children with disabilities by end-2014.

 "Of these, 4,962 are Emiratis. And this figure is expected to reach 17,753 by 2020, of whom 6,650 are expected to be Emiratis," he said.

Al Kamda added that according to Law No.2 of 2012 in respect of protecting the disabled people’s right in Dubai, the Community Development Authority has issued a special card for the disabled people to identify themselves, and to help them get services and privileges in Dubai. 

He added that 'Sanad Card' is considered to be the first smart card in the UAE that enables people with disabilities weather they were nationals or expatriates, or even visitors to enjoy the different benefits and privileges.

"This card also helps support the establishment of a database for people with disabilities, this will be considered a comprehensive and integrated reference for individuals with disabilities and their families and an important contact resource," he said.

He added that the federal and local partners encouraged people with disabilities to register in 'Sanad Card' by offering them discounts and privileges in hospitals, and many other private and public entities.

Al Kamda added that CDA is also providing the families with disabled members with financial help, and the amount of financial help is determined after studying individual cases and conditions.

Some of the entities that offer privileges to 'Sanad Card' holders are as following:

1.  Dubai Municipality
2.  Dubai Customs 
3.  Dubai Police
4.  Dubai Sports Council
5.  Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services
6.  Dubai Women Establishment
7.  Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment
8.  Roads and Transport Authority
9.  Dubai Culture and Arts Authority
10. Dubai Electricity and Water
11. Saudi German Hospital
12. Al Bait Al Arabi Pharmacy
13. Humaid Darwish Legal Consultancy and Law Firm
14. Aswaq

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