ABU DHABI, 21st April, 2025 (WAM) -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six leading universities across the UAE as part of the Universal Design for Inclusion Program, aimed at integrating accessibility-focused learning into higher education and empowering students to create innovative, inclusive solutions.

The initiative seeks to raise awareness about cognitive, mobility and communication challenges faced by People of Determination, particularly those living with chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis.

Led in partnership with Abu Dhabi University, University of Sharjah, Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI), Khalifa University, Al Ain University, and six campuses of Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), the programme spans 11 campuses and involves over 500 students, 45 faculty members and more than 15 immersive workshops.

Students began with Empathy Workshops offering firsthand insight into the experiences of people with chronic conditions. These were followed by expert-led mentorship sessions and workshops that introduced real-world design challenges and solution development.

Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation and Vice Chair of NMSS, said the programme equips youth to be changemakers, stating, "This initiative is about more than awareness; it's about action. By involving students directly in the creation of solutions, we are nurturing a generation that not only understands accessibility but champions it."

Students will present their final projects to a panel of experts, with the top three winning teams joining the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa) youth incubation platform, Startup Dojo, to further develop their prototypes into viable solutions.

Sara Belhaif Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, affirmed the centre's support, saying, "We're proud to help turn inclusive ideas into scalable ventures. This programme offers students valuable insight into real-world challenges and inspires practical solutions for all."

The programme aligns with the UAE's national inclusion strategy and Year of Community theme, Hand in Hand, by bringing together educators, industry leaders and the community to drive inclusive innovation across sectors.