Visually impaired tourists and residents visiting Abu Dhabi are now being offered information on the destination in Braille, the tactile writing system used by the blind and visually impaired.
A concise brochure outlining 'Ten Things to Know about Abu Dhabi, its Al Gharbia Western Region and heritage heartland of Al Ain' has been produced in Braille and is now ready to circulate through TCA Abu Dhabi's 10 overseas offices, its visitor centres in the emirate, and at its key events.
The Braille collateral is the result of a six month co-operation project with the Abu Dhabi-based Zayed Higher Organisation for Human Care and Special Needs. It is the first initiative to provide a special product for the blind and visually impaired in the Arabian Gulf's official tourism promotion sector.
"This is the start of a proactive Corporate Social Responsibility initiative which we hope to expand to offer a great service to the blind and visually impaired as well as other physically challenged individuals," said Mouza Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director Marketing and Communications, TCA Abu Dhabi.
"This is a sterling example of corporate co-operation and our thanks go to the Zayed Humanitarian Organisation for Human Care and Special Needs for their strong support in delivering this initiative." The Braille collateral will be updated twice-yearly to reflect the evolving nature of Abu Dhabi's tourism offering.
Printing the destination guide in Arabic and English Braille represents a step towards wider integration for blind and visually impaired residents and visitors, a stated mission for the Zayed Higher Organisation (ZHO).
"The ZHO is keen to participate in all social activities that focus on integrating people with special needs into society, and providing publications that convey cultural and tourist messages in Braille is key to this process and improves accessibility for the blind and visually impaired," explained Ms. Naama Al Mansouri, Director of the Blind Printing Press, the specialist printing press operated by the organisation.
"We are determined to offer high-quality services and welcome cooperation with all government entities wishing to convert its publications into Braille within the framework of social partnership, with the shared aim of community integration for previously disadvantaged groups." The ZHO's Blind Printing Press also produces National Curricula texts and paperwork for students with different levels of visual impairment in the emirate's mainstream schools.
Plans to roll-out Braille into other Abu Dhabi destination promotional activities and stakeholder participation are currently being investigated.
Source: WAM