Introduction
In the United Arabs Emirates (UAE), people living with disabilities are referred to as “people of determination.” Disability is the body or mind state that hinders a person from carrying out certain activities, typically where participation is restricted and specific activities are limited. There are similarities and differences in how people with special needs are treated in the UAE and China. Both China and UAE recognize special needs people in the community, and hence, laws are made to acknowledge their presence and offer equal participation in various activities. In the UAE, people with disability are guaranteed equality where legislation social and economic programs are made for their favor. China has enacted laws to ensure that people with special are needs are protected and given equal opportunities in society. However, each country has its own unique formulated organizations and laws meant to protect people with special needs. Different cultures from these countries treat people with a disability differently.
Similarities
There are similarities between China and UAE in how they treat people with disabilities. Both countries recognize people with special needs and have enacted laws and policies to foster equality among these people. In the UAE, the Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 guarantees protection and equality to people of determination. According to policies and laws made by the UAE government, disability will not be a reason to deny victims access to financial, social, and professional, health, educational, and health services (Bourke, 2020). As a result, the government provides equal and fair chances of employment in all government sections. People with special needs are entitled to get monthly assistance following the existing terms. In 2017, the government of UAE launched a “National Policy for empowering people with determination” where these people are equally included in society. There is also “Resolution No.43 of 2018” mission to support and protect people of determination in the UAE (Bourke, 2020). The resolution seeks government intervention in support of people of determination by creating equal opportunities and fighting against discrimination that may be imposed on these people. The resolution also emphasizes the need for conducive and healthy working environments for people of determination. Further, the resolution aims to seek and encourage private sectors to integrate people of determination into their working environment. “People of Determination Protection from Abuse Policy” discourages and condemns all forms of neglect and abuse subjected to people with disability (Camulli & Xie, 2019). In 2018, the UAE launched a “Sign language dictionary,” which aimed at developing the signs incorporated by people of determination with hearing impairments in the state. The crowned prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan affirms that strategies implemented to protect people of determination in the country guarantee country inclusion and commitment towards people with disability.
Similarly, the government of China has also made efforts to protect people with special needs by formulating laws and policies to foster equal opportunities for people with disability. On 24 April 2008, the decree by the president of the Republic of China promulgated regulations to protect people with disability in China (Shang et al., 2011). As a result, different articles were formulated under the law in favor of people living with disability in the country. The law tackled essential sections such as education, health centers, employment, cultural life, and general provisions. Article 3 states that “persons with disabilities shall enjoy equal rights with other citizens in political, economic, cultural and social respects and in family life as well.” The government of China intervenes to protect the rights and interests of persons living with a disability. As a result, discrimination based on disability is highly condemned and prohibited by the laws of China. In all government sectors, people with disability are supposed to be given equal chances without discrimination. Opinions and other interests of people with disability are to be solicited to formulate laws. Article 8 in China talks about the responsibilities of the disabled people federation (Stein, 2010). In collaboration with local branches, China Disabled Person’s Federation (CDPF) undertakes different tasks entrusted by the government to unite, educate, and protect laws and interests and provide various services to people living with disability (Shang et al., 2011). The government of China also protects the rights and privileges of persons with disability through rehabilitation. Article 15 states that “The governments and departments concerned should establish in a planned way medical rehabilitation departments” to help persons living with special needs. Like the UAE, the Republic of China has formulated different laws to protect its citizens living with a disability.
Differences
Despite similarities and actions taken by both China and UAE to help people with disabilities, there are also differences in terms of practices and how these people are treated. Special needs people in China are highly discriminated against compared to UAE. Sources indicate that special needs people in China face prejudice and discrimination and are marginalized most of the time. In the UAE, discrimination cases against people of determination are low compared to China. Research reveals that China has a high disability population compared to UAE. In 2018, reliable sources stated that China had 85 million people living with a disability, equivalent to 6.5% of China’s population (Li et al., 2020). World Health Organization (WHO) research reveals that approximately 11 percent of UAE’s population has a disability. From close analysis, it is evident that the rate of disability between China and the UAE varies. In the Republic of China, people living with disability do not get a quality education (Stone, 1996). Further research indicates an increased gap in education quality for people with special needs in China. In UAE, the government has attempted to enact rules and policies to ensure that at least people of determination receive a quality education.
More so, China and UAE have used different approaches to deal with people living with a disability. The Republic of China has developed federal laws in articles to stipulate how the disabled should be treated (Stone, 1996). Each article in China is categorized to different guidelines that people of China should follow to offer services to the disabled. For example, Article 21 of China states, “The state shall set up educational institutions for disabled persons and encourage social forces to run schools and donate funds for schools.” In UAE, matters concerning people of determination are not stipulated in chapters, but the government recognizes them in ACTS. For instance, “The UAE Disability Act (Federal Law No. 29/2006)” was enacted in 2006 to fight and protect the rights of people of determination (Gaad, 2013). The law affirms that “UAE nationals with disabilities have the same rights to work and occupy public positions” (Bourke, 2020). Article 12 of UAE Federal Law guarantees people of determination with equal education opportunities in all institutions. The United Nations research (U.N.) reports that China has a high mortality rate for people living with a disability. The mortality rate is low in UAE as measures enacted play a significant role in reducing them. Different cultures in China and UAE treat people with a disability differently. Some people discriminate against them while others care for them.
Individual Reflection
I have learned the importance of helping people with disability in society. Through learning and synthesizing different sources, I have gained skills and knowledge on handling people living with a disability. I have discovered that when people with disability are given equal chances in society, they can bring an immensely positive change. By reading diverse sources and incorporating life experiences, I have realized that disability is not inability. Laws made on people with disability are meant to raise awareness and pass the powerful message to society to take action and protect people with disabilities. When people with disabilities are equal, they develop a positive self-belonging attitude in the community. I have also known how to behave and what to do when I encounter people with special needs. People with disability should be treated nicely to feel appreciated in society. As an elite about people with disabilities, I discourage prejudice and discrimination for special needs people. I am also an advocate for equality in the community for people of determination. I now know that societal changes start at an individual level, and minor changes can create massive incredible changes. Lastly, I acknowledge the power of solidarity and awareness in the fight against discrimination and mistreatment for people living with disabilities in our community.
Conclusion
People of determination refers to people living with disability in the UAE. There are similarities in how people of determination are treated in China and the UAE. Both countries have acknowledged the presence of these people in the community and have formulated federal laws to protect them. In the UAE, people of determination are supposed to be treated equally but offered different chances in various government positions. In China, there are other articles formulated by the state government to protect the interests and rights of people living with disabilities. In both countries, the state government has formulated laws and policies to ensure that people with disability live comfortable life. However, each country has developed different approaches to protect these people. The discrimination rate for disabled people is higher in China than in the UAE.
References
Bourke, E. (2020). Disability in the UAE; how meaningful work can empower “people of determination.” Euronews. Retrieved 22 March 2022,
Camulli, J. E., & Xie, G. (2019). The employment continuum: A framework for hiring people with disabilities in Dubai, UAE. Asian Journal of Interdisciplinary Research, 2(3), 56-75.
Gaad, E. (2013). Assessing the needs of people with disabilities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE. Journal of Education and Vocational Research, 4(11), 331-338.
Shang, X., Fisher, K. R., & Xie, J. (2011). Discrimination against children with disability in China. International Journal of Social Welfare, 20(3), 298-308.
Stein, M. A. (2010). China and disability rights. Loy. L.A. Int’l & Comp. L. Rev., 33, 7.
Stone, E. (1996). A law to protect, a law to prevent: contextualizing disability legislation in China. Disability & Society, 11(4), 469-484.
Li, Y., Chen, S. F., Dong, X. J., & Zhao, X. J. (2020). Prediction of cause-specific disability-adjusted life years in China from 2018 through 2021: a systematic analysis. Public health, 180, 90-99.
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