The National Archives organized a forum for the deaf in collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association concurrently with the 42nd Deaf Week under the slogan: “Sign language, an important tool in communicating with the deaf”, in the presence of a large number of the association members and the National Archives staff.

Concurrently with the 42th Deaf Week

The National Archives organizes a “Deaf Forum” in collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association

The National Archives organized a forum for the deaf in collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association concurrently with the 42nd Deaf Week under the slogan: “Sign language, an important tool in communicating with the deaf”, in the presence of a large number of the association members and the National Archives staff. On the sidelines of the forum, an exhibition of the handicrafts made by deaf people was held. The National Archives’ cooperation in this field aims at highlighting social responsibility and reaching out to people with special needs within society.

To mark this occasion, the National Archives renewed its cooperation with the UAE Deaf Association to raise awareness of the importance of this group and to throw light on their great capabilities.

A documentary about the UAE Deaf Association was shown at the forum, which was held at the National Archives premises in Abu Dhabi. The film described the association’s   momentous duties, noble objectives, and activities such as exhibitions, conferences, symposiums, participations, and theatrical productions.

Mr. Hamad Hazaa Al Darmaki, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Deaf Association, made a speech thanking all those who support the association, namely the wise leadership, which cares about people in the first place. He also thanked the National Archives for its continuous and fruitful cooperation with the association. He went on to praise the role of the National Archives in preserving the Nation’s memory, which documents the conditions in the UAE society before the formation of the Union, aspects of the past, which we are proud of, and the efforts made, in establishing the Union, by the founding fathers led by the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He pointed out the importance of making the NA’s historical records and documents accessible to researchers, academics and those interested in the history of the UAE and the Gulf region. Furthermore, he urged the association members to make use of this national cultural asset.

Al Darmaki described the role played by the association and the assistance provided by it to the deaf to help them overcome the challenges they face. Moreover, He talked about the sign language and its sources, and the importance of teaching deaf people the sign languages used in brotherly and friendly countries, because they differ in varying degrees from that used in the UAE.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants visited the exhibition of the handicrafts made by the association members and commended their precise workmanship and skills, which are demonstrated in each painting and item displayed at the exhibition.