New discount card scheme for disabled people to build on UAE's Olympic legacy

The Fazaa Hemam card has been launched to help build a society with equal opportunities

A membership card has been launched offering a range of discounts for people with disabilities. Reem Mohammed / The National

The UAE is building on the legacy of its hosting of the Special Olympics by launching a new membership scheme to provide people with disabilities with discounts on health services, transport and reduced rates on hotel stays.

The Fazaa Hemam programme was rolled out on Wednesday by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior.

The wide-ranging initiative was introduced following calls by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to boost the quality of life of disable people across the Emirates.

The programme features two membership cards, the first of which is adorned with a Special Olympics logo and is for people with intellectual disabilities.

The second card is aimed at people of all disabilities, both citizens and residents, aged up to 49.

People eligible for the second card are those with intellectual and auditory disabilities, autistic people with visual impairments and those with multiple disabilities, psychiatric disabilities and communication disorders, and those with attention deficit disorders and hyperactivity.

Membership is based on the eligibility criteria listed in the Disability Classification Guide approved by the Zayed Higher Organization.

The cards promise access to government, private services and include discounted travel and exemptions by the Department of Municipalities and Transport.

Card holders and one companion will be exempt from charges on buses and abras and will pay 50 per cent for taxis in Abu Dhabi.

People with special needs can designate one vehicle that will not be charged road toll fees in Abu Dhabi when the charging scheme is introduced.

Reduced rates will be available for health services offered by Seha in Abu Dhabi, consumer products in 5,500 stores, and 4,000 food outlets.

Hotel reservations worldwide will be offered at competitive prices, car rentals from Dh 39 per day and 40 per cent discount in 131 hospitals.

The strategy was brought forward thanks to the joint efforts of the Ministry of Community Development, Ministry of Interior's social security fund, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and the UAE Special Olympics.

During a virtual launch, Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed, chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, said the membership cards were part of a mission to integrate people with special needs into society.

He hoped it would encourage equality across all sectors of society.

Officials stated the success of the Special Olympics World Games - held in Abu Dhabi in March of last year - was just the start of the country's journey towards a more inclusive future.

“The legacy continues after closing ceremony and hard work does not stop after these games,” said Tala Al Ramahi, chief strategy officer at World Games Abu Dhabi following the conclusion of the event.

Residents and citizens can visit the website or mobile application of the Zayed Higher Organization and follow the registration process to obtain a people of determination card as a first step.

Those who already have this card, can download the Fazaa app to register for the Fazaa Hemam card.

For more information, visit www.fazaa.ae