AccessAbilities Expo to offer technology to help people with determination

Over 50 million people with determination across the Middle East will get an opportunity to explore the world’s latest and smart assistive technology products and solutions at the AccessAbilities Expo 2017, which will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7th to 9th November.

The Middle East’s largest expo for people with determination is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group.

The expo will witness the launch of world’s first smart eyeglasses that will enable people with visual impairment to function without assistance, first-of its kind hearing aids, device to cure stuttering within a few hours, in addition to many other products to cater to different types of disabilities. This includes running prostheses for recreational athletes, leg prosthesis systems, folding electric mobility scooters, specially designed cars allowing driving directly from the wheelchair, high-definition silicone, orthotic, mobility devices, power wheelchairs, innovative solutions for sound sensory stimulation, voice synthesizers, Braille readers, wireless monitoring devices and much more.

More than one billion people (around 15 percent of the world population according to the World Health Organisation), with disabilities, benefit from assistive technology and live more productive, independent and fulfilling lives. According to estimates, the global market for elderly and disabled assistive devices is projected to cross US$26 billion by 2024, indicating the growing role of assistive technology in empowering those with disabilities.

The three-day expo will cater to this requirement and bring together more than 150 exhibitors showcasing the world’s latest assistive technology and robotics, focussed on facilitating the integration of people with determination in society and empowering them.

Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibitions Director, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, said, "In the era of exponential technological advancement, we are witnessing usage applications like never before. AccessAbilities Expo, by bringing the world’s latest technologies under one roof, provides an opportunity to get the best of this life-transforming assistive technology. The UAE’s leadership envisions making the country disabled friendly and there is a significant role that technology can play in achieving the vision."

The inaugural expo in 2016 was remarkably successful with more than 6,000 people, including individuals with disabilities, their families, educationists, experts from different sectors such as healthcare, technology and infrastructure, and decision-makers, attending the exhibition and exhibitors from 41 countries showcasing the latest products and services at the event.