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Global Alliance on Accessible Technologies and Environments |
GAATES mourns the passing of Dr. Harold Snider,
member of the Board of Directors
Dr. Harold W. Snider speaking at the 9th Forum of the Gulf Disability Society in Qatar
GAATES speakers and friends attending the 9th Forum of the Gulf Disability Society in Qatar: front row, seated - Aqeel Quereshi; standing - left to right - Linda Snider, Dr. Harold W. Snider, Betty Dion, Mukhtar Al Shibani, Chuck Letourneau and Abdul Khadar
GAATES Honored with UN Habitat -
Dubai International Award for Best Practices
to Improve the Living Environment
Cover of the Dubai Award. On the award there is a photo of a Wind Tower, which is called a Barjeel. In the top left corner is the UN-Habitat Logo. The cover has the words “Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment”, in English and Arabic. The structures shown on the award are Wind Towers called "barjeels" that have been an essential features of Arabian architecture. These square barjeels catch the breeze and circulate it to cool the room below.
Cover of the Dubai Award. On the award there is a photo of a Wind Tower, which is called a Barjeel. In the top left corner is the UN-Habitat Logo. The cover has the words “Dubai International Award for Best Practices to Improve the Living Environment”, in English and Arabic. The structures shown on the award are Wind Towers called "barjeels" that have been an essential features of Arabian architecture. These square barjeels catch the breeze and circulate it to cool the room below.
The publication International Best Practices in Universal Design: A Global Review has been named as one of the world's 100 "Best Practices" for 2008 by United Nations - Habitat - Dubai International Award for Best Practices.
GAATES is extremely pleased and excited to announce that this illustrious publication that has been distributed to over 5000 people worldwide compares accessibility codes and standards from around the world and is available in English, French, Arabic, Spanish, Serbian and the alternate DAISY format.
The purpose of the Dubai Award is to recognize and enhance awareness of outstanding and sustainable achievements in improving the living environment. The Dubai Award was established under the directives of late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, during the United Nations International Conference that convened in Dubai in November 1995.
In selecting GAATES as a recipient of one of the 100 Best Practices in urban environment, the Dubai Award recognizes the important significance of Universal Design and Accessibility in the lives of people worldwide.
The criteria for best practices are selected by an independent International Jury that consists of Experts and Specialists who considered the positive impact in improving the living environment of people, including: social inclusion, sustainability and continuity in effecting changes in legislation, social policies, leadership and community empowerment, gender equality, innovation and transferability.
For further information on the Dubai Award, see http://www.dubaiaward.ae. For information on the GAATES submission, see http://www.unhabitat.org/bestpractices/2008/mainview.asp?BPID=2254
Betty Dion, President of GAATES and Mukhtar Al Shibani, Vice-President accept the 2008 Dubai International Award for one of best practices in the living environment.
Feature Article
Collaborative Agreement with DPI signed
GAATES information
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