Policy & Service

I’ve always wanted to work for a greater good. At my current position as the director of Supporting Foundation of children and youth with disabilities I have had the opportunity to promote equal rights, inclusion and diversity in both working life and education. My expertise lies within the fields of employment, education and rehabilitation policies and services. I’ve worked in national and international expert groups implementing projects, research and training. Currently I am the president of RI Finland and the chair of Policies and Services commission of RI Global.

I have a master’s degree in sociology, and I’ve published several articles on the employment of young people with disabilities.

Eman Al Tamimi is a a distinguished authority in public policy, is a tireless advocate for disability rights. Her current role as the Director of the Program Development and Quality Office at the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination is a testament to her dedication.

With an extensive career spanning over 18 years, she has devoted herself to supporting individuals of determination within the UAE community. Her collaborations with both local and international bodies to advance disability rights and advocacy initiatives are driven by a deep-rooted passion for inclusivity and accessibility. Eman’s educational background is as robust as her professional experience, boasting a bachelor’s degree in Family Sciences, a master’s degree in business administration, and a Diploma in Executive Policies Program. Additionally, she holds a license in evaluation and institutional excellence, underscoring her commitment to excellence in her field. Her profound expertise and comprehensive understanding of disability rights have firmly established her as a prominent figure within her community. Eman’s journey began in 2004 as a Core Thinking Trainer, evolving into an Autism Trainer by 2006. From 2012 to 2017, she served as the Head of the Rehabilitation Section at ZHO, concurrently founding the Emirates Autism Society in 2013 to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder among mothers of children with autism. Since 2012, Eman has played a pivotal role in crafting policies tailored to the needs of individuals of determination. Her leadership in shaping services and initiatives to enhance their quality of life is a testament to her commitment and expertise. She has also lent her knowledge as an Institutional Discrimination Evaluator and auditor for numerous organizations, further solidifying her role as a leader in the field of disability rights and advocacy.

Eman’s impact extends beyond her local sphere; she has presented papers on disability services at the CPRPD of the United Nations Committee on Disability in 2014 and has been deeply involved in training and capacity-building efforts on disability-inclusive practices in collaboration with partners. Eman’s commitment to empowering individuals of determination led her to launch a self-advocacy program within the social sector. In additional Supporting the autism system in Mauritania with supportive policies and systems in cooperation with its higher authority In 2022, Eman showcased her expertise internationally by presenting a paper on policies and services at the Rehabilitation International (RI) conference in China. Her instrumental role in approving the first national vocational qualification for individuals of determination in the UAE underscores her dedication to fostering inclusivity and accessibility. Eman’s significant contributions to the advancement of disability rights have earned widespread recognition, and she remains steadfast in her mission to create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.

Professor Yueqin Huang has worked as the chair of Commission of Health and Function of Rehabilitation International since 2016 and committed herself mental health promotion and study on mental rehabilitation. She is psychiatric epidemiologist and director of the Division of Social Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in Institute of Mental Health/Sixth Hospital of Peking University for teaching and research. Her concurrent posts include vice-president of China Disabled Persons’ Federation, and president of Society of Crisis Intervention of Chinese Association of Mental Health. She is principal investigator of a series of research projects and international collaborations including World Mental Health Survey and 10/66 Dementia Study. She have published 357 academic article in many journals and is editor-in-Chief of eight books.