Program Agenda

H.E. Abdulla Abdulalee AlHumaidan is a highly influential advocate and leader in the United Arab Emirates, known for his unwavering commitment to promoting inclusivity and empowerment. With a remarkable educational background and vast professional experience, he has become a driving force in championing the rights and well-being of individuals with determination.

After obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in General Management Information Systems from the Higher Colleges of Technology in Abu Dhabi in 2009, Abdulla went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Abu Dhabi School of Management in 2017. With his solid academic foundation, he embarked on a career dedicated to effecting positive change.

His professional journey has been marked by numerous impactful roles, each contributing to his comprehensive understanding of organizational dynamics and societal needs.

His dedication to inclusivity and social progress is evident in his multifaceted involvement in various governmental and social organizations. As the Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination since 2017, I spearheaded initiatives to promote accessibility and empowerment for individuals with determination. Additionally, he is Deputy Vice-President of MENA at Rehabilitation International (RI) and the chairman of the organizing committee of the World Congress on Rehabilitation 2024 in Abu Dhabi.

H.E Abdulla Abdulalee AlHumaidan’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and purpose. Through his relentless advocacy and visionary leadership, he continues to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of individuals with determination and inspiring positive change on a global scale.

Regarded as China’s Helen Keller for her outspokenness on disability rights, Zhang Haidi is the chairperson of the China Disabled Persons Federation and the President of Rehabilitation International. Born in Jinan, Shandong Province, Zhang became a paraplegic at age five due to complications from polio. Unable to attend school, she educated herself to university level, learning several foreign languages including English, Japanese, German and Esperanto. Zhang started writing and translating in the 1980s, authoring her life story Beautiful English in both Chinese and English. as well as the novel, A Dream in Wheelchair. Zhang holds a Master in Philosophy from Jilin University.

Christoph Gutenbrunner is professor emeritus at Hannover Medical School and former head of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine. Besides his clinical work he is very active in academic teaching and research. His main scientific fields are clinical rehabilitation research, intervention mechanism as well as rehabilitation theories, services and systems. He has published around 420 scientific papers, 225 of them listed in PubMed.

At an international level, Christoph Gutenbrunner had multiple leading positions, e.g. Chair of the Professional Practice Committee of UEMS-PRM-Section, Chairman of ISPRM-WHO-Liaison Committee, President of the Baltic and North Sea Forum of PRM, President of the Global Rehabilitation Alliance, and Board Member of ESPRRM. He was president of ISPRM World Congress 2015 in Berlin (Germany). Currently, he is president elect of Rehabilitation International, Board Member of the European Academy of Rehabilitation Medicine and International Officer of the German Society of PRM.

Christoph Gutenbrunner is Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London) and Senior Fellow of the European Board on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine. He holds honorary membership of 5 scientific societies in the field.

Dr. Azman, the 17th President of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), took office for the term 2023–2025 upon the ISSA Elections during the World Social Security Forum (WSSF) 2022 in Marrakech. Morocco. As a social security practitioner, he aspires to ensure to make this world a better place where no one is left behind.

He started his career in 1993 as a young medical doctor, and in 2001 Dr. Azman became the first medical doctor employed by the Social Security Organisation (Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial – PERKESO) of Malaysia. He ascended the corporate ladder when he was promoted to Senior General Manager of Operations in 2007, Deputy Chief Executive (Operations) in 2011, and finally as CEO of PERKESO in 2015.

Under his leadership, Dr. Azman initiated various innovations and reforms to enhance PERKESO’s social security protection, which includes the extension of PERKESO’s coverage from formal workers to other working populations, such as government contract workers, self-employed workers, foreign workers, domestic workers, and recently housewives. He was also instrumental in the introduction of the Employment Insurance System in Malaysia, which enabled strong linkages between social security and labour market interventions for vulnerable people.

Before being elected as ISSA President, he was an active member of the ISSA Bureau and Chairperson of the ISSA Technical Commission on Organization, Management, and Innovation for six years. He also held various other positions internationally, such as the President of the Asia Workers’ Compensation Association (AWCA), and a Board Member for International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) based in the United States.

Dr. Azman grew up in the state of Pahang, Malaysia and pursued his medical degree at the University of Malaya from 1987 to 1992 and specialized in Occupational Medicine at Royal College of Physicians, Ireland in 1997. He was conferred with a Fellowship from the Royal College of Physicians, Ireland in 2011. Currently, Dr. Azman is also an Adjunct Professor at two Malaysian universities: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). His leadership, capability, and contributions are recognized locally and internationally, and in 2020, Dr. Azman became the first Malaysian to receive the Frances Perkins Award from the IAIABC.

Aaesha Al Shehyari is a seasoned Compliance and Quality Monitoring Executive with extensive experience in hospitality and tourism sectors, currently serving the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, UAE. With a robust background in environmental science and sustainability, Aaesha has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing operational excellence and promoting safety and accessibility within the industry.

In her role as a Compliance and Quality Monitoring Executive, Aaesha has spearheaded several impactful initiatives. Notably, she led the “Accessibility for People of Determination” project, focusing on improving accessibility standards across Abu Dhabi’s hotels and tourism restaurants. Her leadership in completing the project’s first phase—focusing on hotels—highlights the dedication to inclusivity and enhanced customer experience.

Aaesha’s contributions extend to quality control, where she have played a pivotal role in developing and refining quality control policies and procedures. She has expertly executed quality-control tests and sampling plans to ensure compliance with industry standards, collaborating with cross-functional teams to resolve quality issues promptly. The meticulous documentation and process improvement efforts have significantly contributed to operational effectiveness.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Aaesha was instrumental in organizing testing and vaccination appointments for tourism establishments and led a 9-month volunteer program to ensure the safety of both visitors and employees. Those efforts were crucial in maintaining health and safety standards during a challenging time.

Before her current role, Aaesha served as the UAE Ambassador for Nature with the Emirates Nature Foundation WWF in Dubai, where she advocated for environmental conservation and sustainability from June 2020 to March 2022.

Aaesha holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and Sustainability from Zayed University, Abu Dhabi. Her academic background complements her practical experience, providing a solid foundation for her professional achievements.

Certified in various aspects of compliance, occupational health, and safety, Aaesha has developed and maintained audit procedures, risk assessment processes, and safety management systems, ensuring adherence to industry regulations and standards.

Aaesha is also recognized for their contributions to the ‘People of DCT’ series on social media, showcasing her role and impact within the Department of Culture and Tourism.

With a proven track record of enhancing operational procedures, promoting sustainability, and ensuring safety, she continues to drive excellence and innovation in her field.

H.E. Abdulla Ismail Al Kamali, The Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, has made numerous achievements and contributions to the community.

He was also a finalist for the Abu Dhabi Award for Government Excellence in 2015 and has headed many official delegations in the field of sports for people of determination. He has participated in several international workshops on the rights of persons with disabilities, from which he has gained valuable insights and orientations that have influenced his work. He also serves as a member of the advisory board of several national universities. He holds the position of Chair of the Social Care Pillar Initiatives in the Abu Dhabi Strategy for People of Determination, where this initiative aims to ensure that persons with disabilities have equal opportunities and are integrated into all aspects of society.

Dr. Abdulla Alrahoomi, MBBS, EBPRM, DES, DESC, IOC Sports Medicine Diploma Consultant of Sports & Exercise Medicine and also in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in Sheikh Tahnon Medical City Rehabilitation Hospital Founder and President of the Emirates Society of Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine (ESRSM) Vice President of the UAE’s Medical Olympic Committee (UAE NOC) Executive Member of the Asian Federation of Sports Medicine (AFSM) Member of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) Medical & Sports Science Committee (MSSC) Chief Medical Officer of Abu Dhabi Aquatic Sports Adjunct Professor at the College of Medicine & Health Sciences UAE University & Khalifa University Scientific Board member of the Canadian Advances in Neuro-Orthopedics for Spasticity Consortium Speaker at multiple national & international conferences including: UAE Orthopedics conference, Kuwait Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation conference, Asian Federation of Sports Medicine Conference, Brunei Sports & Exercise Summit, Mexican Sports Medicine Conference UAE’s Chief Teams Physician at the Special Olympics 2019, Tokyo Olympic Games 2020, Tokyo Paralympic Games 2020, Special Olympics Invitational Games Malta 2022, 5th Islamic Solidarity Games “Konya 2021”, Hangzhou 2022 Asian games, Hangzhou 2022 Para Games, Half Asian Marathon 2023, and the Asian U20 Athletics Championships 2024, Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open 2024, Paris Olympic Games 2024, Paris Paralympic Games 2024.

Born in 1950 in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Ain Shams University in Cairo. She worked as a teacher in several secondary schools in Gaza before founding the Rights to Live Society for children with Down syndrome in 1992. She actively engaged in various regional and international organizations, she has been recognized with numerous local, Arab and international awards for her humanitarian and volunteer work.

Dr. Adil is a UAE-national family medicine consultant physician who works at Mediclinic Parkview hospital in Dubai. He has given over 300 lectures and webinars in 3 years to different government and private sectors in the UAE. Additionally, the doctor hosts and presents the largest Arabic health show on social media program in the UAE on UAEBARQ with over 2.5 million followers. The doctor is a regular guest on national and international TV and radio shows and has won multiple awards for their work, including the Bahrain Award for Voluntary Work and the Sharjah Award for Voluntary Work. Graduated from the UAE Government Executive Leadership Program from the Prime Minister’s Office, the doctor holds a postgraduate master’s level certification in SQIL. Completed medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, the doctor holds a postgraduate board certification in Family Medicine. The doctor also holds an Executive Master’s in Healthcare Management and a postgraduate Diploma in Public Sector Innovation from the University of Cambridge. Additionally, serving as an Advisory and Decision Committee Member at Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund.

Previous Designations:

• Member of faculty of law, university of Sharjah “2019 2020”.
• Expert in disability policies, ministry of community development, Dubai “from 2011-2015”.
• Assessor in Dubai excellence government program “for Four consecutive years 2016-2018”.

Qualifications:

• Executive education programs
• Comprehensive program in leadership skills, school of public administration, American University of Sharjah, 2020.
• Data Science for Executives, London School of Economics, November 2019.
• Strategic planning, future thinking and scenario planning, Lee Quan UEW school of public policy, national University of Singapore (September 2018).
• Developing public policy, London School of economics, “March 2018”.
• Applying behavioral insights to the design of public policy, Harvard Kennedy School of Governance, Harvard University “November 2017”.
• Translating Policies in to legislations, royal institute of public administration, London, 2016.
• Assessing the impact of public policy, Royal institute of Public administration, London June 2015.

Educational qualifications:

• H.D in Law, University of Essex, 2010.
• MA in comparative law, supreme judicial institute, Alemam Mohamad bn Saud university, Saudi Arabia,
• BA in Shariea law, Alemam Mohamad bn Saud university, Saudi Arabia 2000.

Main achievements:

1. Policies and initiatives:

• Developing the emirate’s policy on reducing drug abuse March 2022.
• Developing a number of policies related to promoting justice sector such as:
• promoting judicial inspection mechanisms in the local level of Dubai Judiciary June 2020.
• One day case program to expedite judicial procedures in Dubai Courts March 2017.
• criminal order initiative authorizing public prosecutors on behalf of Judges to take judicial decision to expedite criminal procedures March 2017.
• Formulating Dubai’s policy of human rights April 2016.

2. Disability Related initiatives

• Formulating Law, no 3 of 2022 concerning the rights of persons with disabilities in the emirate of Dubai and its Bylaw issued by executive council decision no. 1 of 2022.
• Formulating cabinet decision no. 43 of 2018 concerning supporting the employability of persons with disabilities in private sector organizations.
• Providing technical support to promote the development of various initiatives included in the UAE National policy concerning the protection of persons with disabilities such as: the adoption of UAE national classification of disability, policy of promoting services provided to children with autism.
• Drafting UAE initial report concerning the Implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

3. Main contributions in the field of disability research:

• Disability laws and policies in the UAE, the way forward) published book in Arabic, Dar Alkhaleej, Sharjah, 2022.
• Harmonizing national laws of the UAE with the united nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities, ministry of community development, unpublished, 2014.
• Assessing the feasibility of the quota scheme to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in the private sector of the UAE, policy paper, ministry of community development, 2013.
• Promoting the right to work of disabled people in the UAE, lessons learned from the experiences of the US, Great Britain, Sweden and Belgium, University of Essex, Ph.D. thesis, 2010.
• Producing around 15 short articles in the field of disability rights published in Alami Magazine, issued by ministry of community development to raise public awareness of disability different Aspects, from the period of 2010-2017.

Post Graduate :  PRM,   Gerontology,  Health Services Management

Until  September 2023  San Pancrazio  Rehab  Hospital -KOS /Clinic and Scientific Director Actually  consultant in Research Rehabilitation  Institute and University San Raffaele in Rome.

Chair in San Raffaele  telematic University of “Robotic in Rehabilitation “  International Educational  Master for all professionals engaged in this clinical and research activity.

Consultant from 1990  in  PMR  at Florence, Roma, Chieti  and other Medical Universities .

Some years  ago ESPRM President and now  Chair of   ESPRM Robotic European  Committee, Scientific Director of European Robotic Rehabilitation Summer School .  President  of Italian Rehabilitation Societies ( SIMFER,SIRN ) , member of ISPRM and  other  international bodies (American Academy,  UEMS –PRM Section, WFNR, Rehabilitation International , Mediterranean Forum of PRM ).Member and consultant in some Disabled People Associations (Stroke, BI)

More  than 200 papers  and documents produced until now at  national and international level (Rehabilitation  development,  education , team working, technical aids,  new technologies  and robotic devices,  management and  financial aspects  for  rehabilitation services and interventions).

Main clinical activities  and research  fields:

• Rehabilitation organization and management
• New Technologies
• Education for professionals engaged in clinical and research activities in Rehabilitation applying robotics and new technologies.
• Management  to face changing  needs for a community comprehensive network in relation  mainly  with aged people.
• Neuro-Rehabilitation : clinical aspects  and fields.
• Team Working  education,  new tools  and devices
• Disabled People Needs  and Rights :Applications and perspectives   in developed  and developing Countries .
• ICF  and its  applications in education,  in team working, in  organization
• UN Convention and  World Report  on Disabilities.
• Community Based  Rehabilitation and integration with scientific evidence  based treatments.

Dr. Alice Melchior is the head of research and innovation department at the Federal Association of Vocational Rehabilitation Centres, Germany, and a project lead of the research project “KI-Kompass Inklusiv” funded by the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Her current research focus is on the inclusion of people with disabilities in the digital transformation and the potential of artificial intelligence. In this context she is participating in establishing a competence center for AI-supported assistance technologies and inclusion in working life. Before she was a research associate and project coordinator at GESIS Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences in Germany, and a participating researcher in the German Research Foundation (DFG) priority program Digitalisation of Working Worlds. With a background in the sociology of work and technology as well as in science and technology studies, her research examines different facets and dynamics of digitalisation in the context of job profiles and working life.

I am a rehabilitation specialist with over twenty years of experience in the rehabilitation of upper and lower limb amputees. I work at the Centro Protesi INAIL (an institute that deals with the care and rehabilitation of people injured at work) and I am currently the director of the rehabilitation area of the Centro Protesi INAIL. I am involved in research projects within my institute and I participated as an expert in a European project that ended last year (Myleg project). I teach in two Italian universities (Bologna and Padua) in the specialization schools of physical medicine and rehabilitation and I supervise the training of the specialist doctors who attend the facility where I work. Since 2021 I am a member of the Special Working Group on Rehabilitation of ISSA since 2021.

Physiotherapy bachelor degree from Fatima College of health sciences. 5 years’ experience as a PT in ZHO, and certified Lokomat Instructor.

Dr. Andrea Popa has a Diploma in Economics and a Doctorate in Technology Management from Kiel University, Kiel, Germany. She has Expertise in digitalization and digital technologies in healthcare, as well as collaborative innovation and management in interdisciplinary, interprofessional healthcare settings. Evaluation of return to work programs, system and structures of insurance medicine in national and international frameworks. Development and analysis of clinical service programs and systems-based approaches to health care. Social network analysis with an emphasis on individual professional networks and their impact on innovation and collaboration in intersectoral settings.
Previous work has focused on analyzing innovative approaches to healthcare delivery in emergency medicine settings, the development and implementation of digital technologies in managed care for dementia patients, and determining structural characteristics of social networks and their effect on collaborative innovation activities and the management of digital technologies in the nonprofit sector.

Andrey Vladimirovich Zlokazov graduated with honors from the Ural State University of Economics in 1995 with a degree in Regional and Municipal Economics, and completed postgraduate studies there. In 2002, he reseived a PhD in Economics. Since June 2012 – Minister of Social Policy of the Sverdlovsk region, member of the Government of the Sverdlovsk region. He completed internships in the following courses: “Development and state support of small business (the experience of local governments in the USA)” in San Diego, USA, 1996; “Support and development of small business (the experience of Great Britain)” in Manchester and Glasgow, Great Britain, 1997; “Strategic planning in large cities” at the University of Birmingham, UK, 2000.

• Clinical Psychologist by profession, have contributed and collaborated in the field of psychology specializing in children, trauma intervention, family and marriage counselling, rehabilitation support for victims of violence and abuse, for the past 30 years in India, Oman and UAE.
• Orchestrated with children and young adults, supporting their psychological needs in a variety of settings, including children of determination and their families.
• Passionately like addressing early childhood developmental difficulties, early intervention, domestic violence, human trafficking, other forms of abuse, while being part of women’s unique healing journeys.
• Actively presents, facilitate lectures and workshops related to child protection, prevention of violence, abuse, additionally as well in mindfulness, bullying, coping with exams for school students, early intervention for children with developmental difficulties, adolescent counselling, parenting and caregiver support, self-awareness and self-care for professionals working with children and adults, both nationally and internationally.
• Participated and directed initiatives to help individuals, families, and communities effectively understand and navigate the many aspects of healing, from trauma related conditions.
• Acquired proficiency in practicing creative forms of psychotherapeutic intervention and best practice methods to support survivors of violence and abuse, including children who are often “Silent Sufferers”.
• A strong advocate for children and women survivors of abuse, striving towards uplifting, validating, empowering and re-building their self-esteem.
• As a mental health professional, value the chances to educate and share expertise on bringing interventional and prevention tools to individuals, families, organizations, and communities at a global level.
• Authored articles and participated in social media events, related to various community awareness initiatives, at national levels.
• Licensed by Community Development Authority Dubai, as Psychologist –Social Therapist.
• Retain international and national memberships in the capacity of Consultant.
• Awarded recognition and accolades in the realm of work.

Dr. Annette Tabbara LL.M. is Director-General at the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. She studied law in Hamburg, Halifax and Augsburg. Dr. Tabbara earned a Master of Laws in Canada and did a doctorate in constitutional media law. She passed her second German state examination at the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court Hamburg.

She held various positions at the ministry, up to head of division responsible for basic issues of social policy. From 2015 until 2018, Dr. Annette Tabbara served at the Federal Chancellery, heading the task force of the Independent Commissioner and the office of the State Minister for Migration, Integration and Refugees. She then became State Secretary and Representative of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg with responsibility for Hamburg’s relations with the Federation, the European Union and other countries. In late 2019, she joined the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs again, where she has since been the head of the Directorate-General responsible for the participation of persons with disabilities, social compensation and social assistance. This means that she has technical responsibility for the bulk of tax-financed federal social law.

Anni Mazagobian, armed with a Master’s in Psycholinguistics and a Higher Diploma in Quality Management, stands as a beacon of inclusive development for over two decades. As the CEO of Al Hussein Society/Jordan Center for Training and Inclusion for the past 20 years, she’s been pivotal in driving sustainable and transformative educational solutions at national and regional levels. Pioneering in the realm of assistive technology for inclusive education and rehabilitation, Annie champions community-based sustainable  development strategies. These strategies, complemented by her bridge-building between the public and private sectors, mirror the forum’s ethos of sustainable transformation. Her consultancy role with international organizations only solidifies her stature as a preeminent figure in inclusive education and rehabilitation.

Mr. Arie Arizandi Kurnianto is a accomplished Pharmacist with a professional background in social security and occupational injury insurance. He has currently graduated as Ph.D. in Health Sciences at the University of Pécs, Hungary, with first class honours (summa cum laude), where his research focuses on modeling Return to Work (RTW) programs for workers with disabilities. He was born in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. In addition to his Ph.D. studies, Mr. Kurnianto holds a Master’s degree in Occupational Health and Safety from the University of Airlangga, Indonesia where he received First Class. He also has a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Hasanuddin, Indonesia where he was recognized as an outstanding student.

Mr. Kurnianto has published several papers in reputable journals with accumulation of impact factors 13.5. Mr. Arie Arizandi Kurnianto, in addition to his academic and professional achievements, has recently been granted several prestigious scholarships and opportunities to present his research at international conferences. He was accepted as a poster presenter at the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Sydney, Australia, in November 2023, representing the University of Pécs. Furthermore, Mr. Kurnianto has also been granted scholarships to present at the conferences of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). He presented at ISPOR Europe 2022 in Vienna and at ISPOR Europe 2023 in Copenhagen. He has also contributed to research projects as a Fellow Researcher at Syreon Research Institute and Centre of Health Technology Assessment and Pharmacoeconomic Research at University of Pécs, Hungary, where he performed data analysis, assisted in the interpretation of research findings, and collaborated with research teams.

In terms of work experience, Mr. Kurnianto has held positions at BPJS Ketenagakerjaan, the Indonesian Social Security Agency on Employment. He served as a Junior Manager, conducting research and analyzing policy trends related to workplace accident insurance. He advocated for the inclusion of workplace accident insurance within the social security guarantee system and collaborated with international organizations to enhance social security services for employees.

Mr. Kurnianto has also been involved in various organizational and volunteer activities, including serving as the Chief of Health Division for ALPHA-I, the Alumni Association of the American-Indonesian Scholarship Program. He is also member of DOSZ Orvos- és Egészségtudományi Osztály since 2022-present.

Asha Hans is the Former Professor of Political Science and Founder Director of Women’s Studies, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, India. She has a  PhD from Jawaharlal Nehru University New Delhi .She is the co-founder and Executive Vice President of Shanta Memorial Rehabilitation Center (SMRC). She is Vice Chair Education Commission and Task Force on Disability, Disaster and Conflict of Rehabilitation International. She is past Board member UN Women’s, Peace Humanitarian Fund. A versatile author her latest book is Gender Disabilities and the Trajectories of Power.

Dr. Azlan is a public health specialist and an occupational health physician; currently heading the Prevention, Medical and Rehabilitation Division in the Social Security Organization of Malaysia (PERKESO). He oversees the occupational safety and health programs for employers and employees registered with the organization, and is part of various national committees on occupational safety and health in Malaysia. He is currently the vice-chairperson for the Technical Commission on Insurance against Occupational Injury and Occupational Diseases of the International Social Security Association. He is also an Examination Board Member of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health of Malaysia, and a Curriculum Committee Member for the Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. He lends his expertise in various committees and academia for occupational safety and health in the country and continues his active contributions in local and international conferences and seminars.

Azmeraw Derese is a dedicated professional with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Sociology. With over 8 years of experience in project management and coordination, he has honed his leadership skills and consistently achieved successful outcomes. Azmeraw is passionate about utilizing technology to solve intricate problems and drive positive change. His strategic mindset enables him to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and propel projects forward. He is committed to continuous learning and personal growth, always seeking out new challenges to expand his expertise. With a proven track record of delivering exceptional results, Azmeraw is an asset to any team striving for excellence. Currently, Azmeraw is serving Vision Community Based Rehabilitation as a program Director.

Ms. Azza Alkitbi, Senior Physiotherapist at university hospital Sharjah, and she’s the First Emirate physiotherapist specialized in multiple sclerosis rehabilitation from university of Hasselt in Belgium and approved by Menactrims and Emirates physiotherapy society. In 2021 she achieved a Master’s degree in Physiotherapy from University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. And Before this, she completed a Bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy at university of Sharjah on 2014 , she have more than 10 years’ clinical experience in treating MS Pt  , she got trained and approved as MS therapist  by the Italian society of multiple sclerosis in genoa collaborated with the national multiple sclerosis society in UAE .

EDUCATION:

• MD, Szent-Györgyi Albert University of Medicine (now Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged), Szeged (1985)

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE:

• Specialties
  • Locomotor Rehabilitation (2008)
  • Physiotherapy (1997)
  • Rheumatology (1997)
  • Internal Medicine (1990)

• Other Areas
  • Locomotor Ultrasound (2002)
  • Ultrasound (2001)
  • Acupuncture (1998)
  • Laser Therapy (1997)

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: English – proficient

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• Dept. of Locomotor Rehabilitation, Ss Cosmas and Damian Rehabilitation Institute, Visegrád, Hungary (2012-present)
• Dept. of Locomotor Rehabilitation, Orosháza City Hospital, Orosháza, Hungary (2009–2011)
• Dept. of Physio- and Locomotor Therapy, Orosháza City Hospital, Orosháza, Orosháza-Gyopáros, Hungary (2000–2011)
• Dept. of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (Kakasszék), Erzsébet Hospital, Hódmezővásárhely, Hungary (1991–2000)
• Réthy Pál Hospital, Second Dept. of Internal Medicine, Békéscsaba, Hungary (1985–1990)

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE:

• Head of Department and Chief Physician, Dept. of Locomotor Rehabilitation, Ss Cosmas and Damian Rehabilitation Institute, Visegrád, Hungary (2012-present)
• Head of Department and Chief Physician, Dept. of Locomotor Rehabilitation, Orosháza City Hospital, Orosháza, Hungary (2009–2010)
• Head of Department and Chief Physician, Dept. of Physio- and Locomotor Therapy, Orosháza City Hospital, Orosháza-Gyopáros, Hungary (2003–2010)

RESEARCH AREAS:

• The role of cholecystokinin in neurogenic communication
• The effects of electromagnetic energy transmission at the organic and/or cellular level
• Biological mechanisms in therapeutic laser treatments
• Thermography and evidence-based medicine in physiotherapy

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

• Hungarian Physiological Society (1983–present)
• Hungarian Medical Laser and Optical Society (1992–present)
• Hungarian Society of Rheumatologists (1994–present)
• Hungarian Pain Society (1996–present)
• Hungarian Medical Soft Laser Society (1997–present)
• Hungarian Osteoporosis and Osteoarthrology Society (2005–present)
• Hungarian Society for Medical Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine (2008–present)

TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

Involved in training current and future health care professionals at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels (2001–present)

Results: Two students under my supervision (in conjunction with Prof. Márta Gálfi) placed first in the local round of Hungary’s academic competition for university students and second in the national round with a paper on laser treatment and sports performance.

INVITED REFEREE FOR ENGLISH-LANGUAGE JOURNALS:

• Photomedicine and Laser Surgery (2008) IF: 1.3
• Lasers in Medical Science (2009 – 2011, 2021) IF: 1.675

Invited Editorial Board Member: Neurology: current Research, Open Acces Journal (2019)

Benny Cheung was a fireman who was seriously hurt during participating in a rescue operation in 1983. His left leg was amputated above knee after the incident.  After the recovery period, he continued working in various positions of the Hong Kong Fire Services for over 30 years. He participated wheelchair fencing class in early 1990 and achieved remarkable results in fencing. In the 1996 Paralympic Games held in Atlanta, USA, he won four gold medals in fencing.

Starting from 1995, he has been taking part in voluntarily services in the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth.  He was then subsequently elected as the chairperson of the organization for over 10 years from 2000 to 2015.  He joined the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation in 1996 and elected as the Chairperson of the organization from 2011 to 2015 and 2019 to 2023. He is now the Vice-President of the Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation

He is the Chairperson of the Hong Kong Joint Council for People with Disabilities, which represents of all major organizations of and for persons with disabilities. It is also a long-time member of Rehabilitation International. He had made significant contributions to disability movements when he was RI Vice President Asia and the Pacific.

Since 2017, as director of the USAID Okard Project for World Education a Division of JSI Training & Research, Bernard Franck oversees the achievement of the Okard goal to improve and sustain the independent living and functional ability of the most vulnerable persons with disabilities in Lao PDR.

Okard project contribute with MoH to strengthen rehabilitation systems and with MOLSWF to promote disability-inclusive social protection systems. In partnership with civil society organizations (CSO) Okard project also directly addresses the health and socioeconomic unmet needs of persons with disabilities through the Community Based Inclusive Development model in Lao rural communities.

Bernard represents World Education at the World Rehabilitation Alliance (WRA) and participates in global (Geneva) and regional (WPRO) WHO “Rehabilitation 2030” meetings.

Bernard has 34 years of experience in providing assistance to landmine and explosive ordonnances survivors and other persons with disabilities in conflict, post-conflict, refugee and development contexts in West and East Africa, South and South-East Asia. Bernard is an efficient leader, manager and advisor who can see the overall situation while always keeping focus on the end-beneficiaries impact.

Bernard holds a BA in Specialized Education, an MS in Physical Education and Sport Sciences, and an MS in Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation from the Faculty of Motor Sciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium.

Dr. Boya Nugraha has been working in the field of Rehabilitation Sciences since earning his doctoral degree in Rehabilitation Sciences with summa cum laude from Hannover Medical School, Germany, in 2014. His academic journey is marked by numerous accolades, including the prestigious Second Winner Prize of Preis der Dr. Heinz und Helene Adam Stiftung, Germany, and the Clinical Research Scholar 2012 Award from Harvard Medical School.

He co-founded Hannover Rehabilitation Service & Science Consulting (HRScon) in 2022, where he serves as a consultant, leveraging his extensive research and educational expertise. Dr. Nugraha has been actively involved in global rehabilitation initiatives, holding key roles such as a member of the Global Rehabilitation Alliance Advocacy Working Group and the ICSO-R working group of the International Society of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (ISPRM). His organizational contributions extend to the Baltic and North Sea Forum on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (BNF-PRM), where he has served in various leadership capacities. He has contributed to the work of World Health Organization.

Dr. Nugraha has been a significant figure in scientific committees for major conferences, including the 9th World Congress of ISPRM and multiple Baltic and North Sea Conferences on PRM. His work continues to influence and advance rehabilitation medicine on a global scale. Furthermore, he has published more than 75 peer-reviewed scientific articles.

As a global researcher and disability advocate, I am passionate about a wide range of topics related to disability and have extensive experience in research and academic work across psychology, occupational therapy, social work, and policy. Currently, I work as a lecturer in Social Work and Lead of the Wellbeing Research Hub at Goldsmiths, University of London. Working in the UK allows me to expand my horizons and have a comprehensive knowledge of social policy and welfare for people with disabilities, at a global level. Over the years, I have presented at various conferences and events both in Asia and Europe

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at Fatima College of Health Sciences. My research over the past 10 years has focused on the epidemiology and physiotherapy management of cardiorespiratory conditions in either critical care setting, in/outpatients and community level. I obtained my PhD in Physiotherapy from University of the Witwatersrand South Africa. I have been involved in the teaching and research focusing on identifying the impairments, activity limitations and participation restriction caused by various diseases and evaluating the impact of implementing rehabilitation programs in these patients, either in hospital or in the community. I am also a Fogarty fellow under the Fogarty HIV Implementation Science Research Training Program, where I was supported and mentored in my research career. The previous exposure has nurtured my growing interest in the area of community rehabilitation in chronic diseases so as to improve accessibility to care and improved long term outcomes for patients.

A Master of Business Administration graduate with over 18 years of experience in the health insurance space, dedicated to enhancing scholarship and supporting education initiatives. Skilled in strategic management, performance evaluation, partnerships management, coaching, project management, report writing, innovations management, research, and monitoring & evaluation. Currently pursuing a PhD at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture & Technology, with previous roles including Senior Officer in Strategy Planning & Projects, Officer In charge at NHIF Service Point – Huduma Kenya, and Part-Time Lecturer at Mount Kenya University.

Chrisann Schiro-Geist, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator). Dr. Schiro-Geist received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Northwestern University in 1974. She has been a licensed clinical psychologist and a certified rehabilitation counselor for nearly 40 years. She has authored over 80 articles in refereed journals and hundreds of presentations focusing her primary research on rehabilitation counseling. She has been awarded over 26 million dollars in grant money. She has received over 50 honors, awards, and recognitions, including the Rank of Fellow from the National Rehabilitation Counseling Association in 2020. Dr. Schiro-Geist has been the director of UMID since its inception in 2007, where she has overseen the expansion of program operations into the areas of transition and vocational training. Recent work experiences include Senior Vice-Provost at the

U. of M., Director of Disability and Rehabilitation Education and Training, and Director of Disability Research Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr.Schiro-Geist has worked in the area of “transition to work” for persons with disabilities since the early 1980s. She worked in cooperation with Dr. Frank Rusch of the University of Illinois Transitions Institute in delivering technical assistance on the then newly created Place/Train model of supported employment. In this role, she worked as a consultant and trainer on a national grant from the Department of Education. She was PI on several RSA-funded long-term training grants, including an Experimental and Innovative Grant to co-train master’s level students in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling to become Transition Counselors. Dr. Schiro-Geist was also a major subcontractor in the delivery of TA to Community Rehabilitation programs as part of the RRCEP for CRPs at the University of Wisconsin at Stout under Dr. Fred Menz. In that Regional Training model, she created and delivered technical assistance and training to community providers in Region V while in her position as Director of Rehabilitation Services and Counseling at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

As early as 1993, she was awarded a World Rehabilitation Fellowship to study distance education models in Australia, bringing those methods to some of the earliest fruition in the Rehabilitation Counseling field. She has a proven record of expert teaching, research, service delivery, and leadership. She is the Editor of the Journal of Forensic Vocational Analysis and is the immediate past president of the American Board of Vocational Experts (ABVE). She has been awarded multiple awards, including the National Council on Rehabilitation Education for the distinguished Career in Rehabilitation Education Award in 2009, the Clayton Morgan Memorial Award of Excellence for leadership and contributions to the field of Rehabilitation Counseling in 2012, the West Tennessee Counseling Association Counselor Educator of the year award in 2014, the Presidential Citation from the American Board of Vocational Experts for her support and outstanding contributions in 2015, the Scott E. Streamer Learning and Educational Award in recognition of her contributions and service as Editor of the Journal of Forensic Vocational Analysis in 2016. She is also a distinguished member of the VRCC, a panel representing all the major Rehabilitation organizations, including CSAVR, NCSAB, NRA, NRCA, ABVE, and other major national organizations.

Dr. Cui Guoqing, a Chief Physician and Professor, has worked in Department of Peking University Institute of Sports Medicine for more than 30 years. He has been working as the director of the Department of Shoulder and Elbow and the director of Rehabilitation Medicine Department in hospital, and from then on, the main focus has been on the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of shoulder joint sports injury, rotator cuff tear, shoulder dislocation, shoulder arthroscopy technique; elbow joint sports injury, tennis elbow, elbow arthroscopy technique; knee joint sports injury, microscopic treatment of anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injury, rheumatoid surgical arthritis and microscopic treatment of senile osteoarthrosis. He is recognized as the inventor of clinical examination methods including the Hug-up Test and the IRRTM External Rotation/Internal Rotation Resistance Test, both of which are integrated into AAOS guidelines. Furthermore, he is credited with inventing the Cuistow (Chinese Unique Inlay Bristow) Surgical Procedure for Shoulder Dislocation.

Dakeel began his career at Sultan Bin Abdulaziz Humanitarian City in 2008 as a physical therapist after earning his bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from King Saud University. He has extensive experience working with various patient diagnoses, primarily focusing on traumatic brain injury. In 2018, he completed his master’s degree in healthcare administration from Saudi Electronic University in partnership with Colorado State University. Since then, he has been serving as a clinical supervisor in the Brain Injury Program and Spinal cord injury Program.

A career law enforcement professional, Dana is responsible for driving the Ministry’s international collaboration agenda. She manages international relations and partnerships for the Ministry, working closely with law enforcement agencies and international organizations across the world. She leads multiple international police task forces. She also heads the Secretariat of the International Security Alliance, which consists of Ministries of Interior from 11 countries across the world collaborating on a range of security issues.

Dana is a passionate advocate for ensuring the safety and security of vulnerable sections of our communities. She plays an active role in ensuring the safety of children in the UAE by overseeing the Ministry’s Child Protection Centre. She has led the strategic plan for combatting online child sexual abuse in the UAE and participated in the development and enhancements of national child protection related legislations and policies.

Dana is actively involved in enhancing international efforts to combat the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. She serves as a Board Member on the WEPROTECT Global Alliance and the Virtual Global Taskforce. She is also the co-chair of AI for Safer Children (AI4SC), a joint initiative between UNICRI and the UAE Ministry of Interior to leverage the power of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Dana heads the Secretariat of the Secure Communities Forum, a collaborative platform that bring together professionals from a wide range of disciplines together to network and collaborate on community safety.

Dana’s previous positions with the Ministry include the Director of the Child Protection Center and the Director of Project Management and Shared Services. Prior to joining the Ministry, she was the Head of Advisory Affairs in the Strategy Department of Abu Dhabi Police and the Director of Business Support in the UAE Cabinet General Secretariat.

Dana led the creation and launch of a groundbreaking hotline and mobile app for reporting child crimes. Her efforts in introducing these digital platforms were crucial in establishing a reliable and accessible means for reporting offenses against children, significantly aiding in their protection.

Dana’s exemplary leadership and organizational skills were showcased during the 2021 INTERPOL presidential campaign, where she played a pivotal role into winning the presidency. Her responsibilities involved complex strategic planning, fostering international collaborations, and skillful diplomacy.

Dana managed an extensive portfolio of over 35 law enforcement operations targeting various criminal activities, including child sexual exploitation, drug offenses, and human trafficking. Her leadership in these operations highlighted her dedication to enhancing public safety and justice.

Dana was instrumental in guiding the development and roll-out of The Interfaith Alliance, focusing on supporting vulnerable communities with religious leaders. These initiatives promoted community engagement, inclusivity, and social welfare, reflecting Dana’s commitment to societal well-being.

An accessibility engineer with a dual degree in civil engineering and a bachelor’s degree in international development. I have been working in the field of physical accessibility for 6 years with experiences in North America (Canada), the Caribbean (St. Kitts and Nevis), and the Middle East Region (United Arab Emirates). And I have been involved as an advisor in multiple national projects such as publishing the first even Accessibility Events Manual for the Department of Culture and Tourism, creating the first ever accessibility map for Abu Dhabi, and the enhancement of the Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Daniel Martin is a German certified orthotist and prosthetist and engineer in orthopedic and rehabilitation technology with more than 25 years’ experience in the field. He is highly specialized in the design, construction and fabrication of prosthesis and orthosis. Also, he is trained to do customized seating systems for special wheelchairs. Over the years he implemented CNC and 3D printing technology in the production of custom made products. He is deeply involved in training and supervising support staff such as orthopedic and prosthetic assistants and technicians. Daniel maintains a goal to enable individuals to function to the best of their ability.

Danny finished his bachelors in Physiotherapy in December 2007, whereafter he worked in Germany in a private praxis from January 2008 until May 2014 with a mixed population of patients. In July 2014 he worked in Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination as outsourcing in Al Ain with pediatric cases. In 2017 He got his MBA and in 2021 his masters in Health  Care management. The thesis was about research about how to make a competency list for therapists according to medical science criteria.  In January 2018 he worked directly in ZHO until present. In 2019 he became certified in sensory integration and theory in ABA in 2020. He worked over the last 6,5 years more with students with ASD, where the last half a year is mixed pediatric cases in Abu Dhabi main Center of ZHO.

Darryl currently leads the disability programme at the World Health Organization Headquarters in Geneva. He is responsible for the development of technical guidance, advocacy, and capacity building on disability inclusion in the health sector among WHO, Member States and partners. He is also United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy (UNDIS) Co-lead for the WHO UNDIS Secretariat. Before this he worked at the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, managing the health law team and the disability and rehabilitation programme. Over his career Darryl has worked in a range of health, disability and legal roles, in over 35 countries including fragile and conflict-affected states, as well as low-, middle- and high-income contexts

Demelash Bekele is a leader in the realms of social work and disability advocacy, boasting a career spanning over two decades. Currently serving Rehabilitation International as Deputy Vice President for Africa region and a founder and Executive Director of the Ethiopian-based NGO, VCBRA (Vision Community Based Rehabilitation Association). Additionally, he contributes as an International Disability Consultant at Light for the World (LFTW), further extending his impact across borders. He is an alumnus of Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned a master’s degree in social work. His academic achievements are complemented by his status as a Fellow of the prestigious Acumen Fellowship Program, where he engages in research and initiatives aimed at advancing disadvantaged community rights and inclusion. In his illustrious career journey, he has served as Board Chairperson of Community-Based Rehabilitation Network Ethiopia, further cementing his dedication to fostering inclusive practices and empowerment within communities.

Professor Dongxue Chen currently holds multiple directorial positions at Peking University Sixth Hospital, serving as the Director of Office of Scientific Research, Department of Library and Information, Office of the National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders at the Sixth Hospital/Institute of Mental Health, Peking University. Beyond her administrative roles, she is an active member of numerous medical and research organizations, including the Medical Research Management Branch of the Beijing Medical Association, the Mental Health Professional Committee of the Beijing Preventive Medicine Association, and the Beijing Evidence-Based Research Alliance of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine. Professor Chen earned her Master degree in sociology from Peking University, and her dedication to her field took her abroad as a visiting scholar at Stockholm University and Charlotte Hospital in Berlin. In terms of research and fieldwork, Professor Chen has been engaged in research data management, discipline construction, platform construction, and other related work for many years. In recent years, Professor Chen’s research has centered on social and geriatric psychiatry, areas that are critical to addressing the mental health challenges faced by China’s aging population. She has participated in projects such as developing Electronic Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (ECST) and Epidemiology Survey in Tongliao City in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. Her commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults through innovative mental health practices and psychiatric epidemiology research has earned her widespread acclaim.

Dr. Dragana Djuric is a distinguished physiotherapist with a remarkable career spanning over 30 years, marked by her profound expertise in neuro pediatrics. Her extensive experience encompasses clinical practice in both Serbia and the UAE. Dr. Djuric clinical experience centered around early interventions for children with disabilities.

Since 2013, Dr. Djuric has served as a dedicated lecturer at Fatima College of Health Sciences in Abu Dhabi, where she imparts her wealth of knowledge and practical insights to aspiring physiotherapy students. Holding a master’s and PhD degree from the University in Serbia, her academic journey underscores her relentless pursuit of excellence in the field.

Dr. Dunya Ahmed Abdulla Ahmed is an assistant professor and lecturer in the Department of Social Sciences at the University of Bahrain & Strategic Planning & Development Expert in Supreme Council for Women. She has been working at the Supreme Council for Women, since 2010, as Director of Women Ombudsman Center, soon she was appointed as Acting General Director for Policies and Development & Director National strategy for the Advancement of Bahraini women in 2011, which is the core function of the organisation. Since 2015-2022 she became Strategic Planning & Development Adviser, and continued to manage General Director for Policies and Development for the period (2015-2018). In addition, she is Scientific Committee Chairperson in the Institute of Inspiration Economy, EU & MENA. She completed her Ph.D. in social work at the University of Warwick. She is the first and only person to hold a Ph.D. in social work in Bahrain, specialized and concentrates mainly on equity and the rights of women and people with disabilities. She is co-founder of Inspiration Economy concept, Journals, projects & institutions globally. She has a number of scientific contributions, with more than 50 papers, book reviews, and books published. In addition to around 20 publications regard COVID-19. She is also Editorial Board of several international scientific journals. In addition of being an active member of several NGOs & Chairperson of Inspiration Economy Society in Bahrain. She has also contributed to the preparation and implementation of a number of national strategies, and the preparation and discussion of international reports.