Zayed Authority for People of Determination and the Higher Colleges of Technology Sign a Memorandum of Understanding to Promote Inclusive Higher Education and Empower People of Determination

As part of national efforts to support and empower People of Determination and enhance their inclusion within the higher education system, Zayed Authority for People of Determination and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at building an effective and sustainable partnership. The MoU seeks to contribute to the development of academic and professional pathways for People of Determination and to provide an inclusive learning environment that meets their needs and supports their independence.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Zayed Authority for People of Determination by His Excellency Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Director General of the Authority, and on behalf of the Higher Colleges of Technology by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al Awar, Executive Director of Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, in the presence of a number of officials from both sides.

The MoU aims to establish a strategic partnership aligned with the strategic objectives of both entities, enhancing knowledge exchange and leveraging the capabilities and expertise available to each party. This collaboration supports and empowers People of Determination in higher education and aligns academic programs with their needs and labor market requirements.

The MoU covers cooperation in several areas, including joint coordination on technical and academic matters for students of determination through accredited technical coordinators, the establishment of a distinguished academic and professional system in line with the best and latest global practices, and the formation of a joint committee to follow up on, activate, and oversee the implementation of agreed projects.

The MoU also includes the Zayed Authority for People of Determination’s commitment to providing sign language interpreters for students with hearing impairments during lectures, as well as interpreters during midterm and end-of-year examinations, ensuring that students can fulfill their academic requirements within an inclusive educational environment.

In support of practical training, the MoU stipulates the provision of prescribed practical training opportunities for students of determination at institutions and entities under the Authority’s supervision, according to their needs. It also includes the Authority’s role in training HCT students in relevant academic specializations, in line with available resources and the capacity of the departments concerned.

On this occasion, His Excellency Abdullah Abdulali Al Humaidan, Director General of Zayed Authority for People of Determination, affirmed that this MoU represents a pivotal step in supporting an inclusive higher education system and reflects the Authority’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading national educational institutions. Such partnerships contribute to empowering People of Determination and providing high-quality educational and professional opportunities that enhance their active participation in society.

For his part, Dr. Ahmed Al Awar, Executive Director of the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi, stated that this partnership with the Zayed Authority for People of Determination embodies HCT’s commitment to promoting inclusive applied education by providing a supportive learning environment and integrated services in accordance with best practices. This, in turn, empowers students of determination and enhances their academic and professional readiness for effective participation in the labor market.

The areas of cooperation between the two parties also include HCT conducting specialized interviews for students of determination by academic advisors during registration and admission procedures, in accordance with approved policies, and ensuring that students and their guardians sign the “Student Charter” to ensure clarity of rights and responsibilities. In addition, HCT will identify the needs of students of determination and share them with the Authority, while coordinating between both parties to provide the necessary assistive devices and tools.

The MoU further includes participation in relevant conferences and events, the proposal of future areas of cooperation to be agreed upon at a later stage, and the exploration of opportunities to develop and implement specialized academic, technical, vocational, and artistic programs. It also covers conducting scientific studies and research, as well as student graduation projects in areas related to the education and rehabilitation of People of Determination, in line with the applicable legislation in the UAE.