In a landmark move to promote inclusive design, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with six leading universities across the UAE. The partnership is part of the Universal Design for Inclusion Program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering students to create innovative solutions that enhance accessibility for people with cognitive, mobility, and communication challenges.
This MoU formalizes NMSS’s collaboration with the UAE’s higher education institutions, integrating accessibility-focused learning into university curricula. The program will encourage students to design solutions that address real-world needs and foster a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Empowering Students Through Innovative Learning
The Universal Design for Inclusion program will educate students about multiple sclerosis (MS) and other chronic conditions, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to create culturally relevant and universally accessible designs. Also, delivered in partnership with top UAE universities, the program will include awareness sessions, expert-led workshops, and discussions with innovators and end-users — people living with chronic conditions.
The immersive sessions will provide students with a deeper understanding of the barriers faced by People of Determination, enabling them to develop practical solutions that promote accessibility and inclusion. These learning experiences will help students engage with inclusive design principles from the beginning of their careers.
His Excellency Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Foundation and Vice Chair of NMSS, emphasized the importance of empowering youth to become changemakers. “By combining education with practical design challenges, we are not only raising awareness but also equipping students with the skills to create meaningful solutions that improve lives.”
Shaping a Future of Inclusive Innovation
The program will reach over 500 students and more than 45 faculty members across 11 campuses, including universities such as Abu Dhabi University, University of Sharjah, and Khalifa University. The initiative will feature over 15 workshops, during which students will develop prototypes that address accessibility challenges. Also, these projects will be evaluated by an expert panel, with the top three teams receiving recognition and the opportunity to join the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa).
Sheraa will provide mentorship and pitch training to winning teams, helping them transform their ideas into scalable ventures. Her Excellency Sara Belhaif Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sheraa, highlighted the importance of inclusive innovation, stating, “At Sheraa, we’re proud to support the winning teams, helping turn their ideas into reality and shaping a more inclusive future.”
Aligned with the UAE’s national vision for inclusion, the program underscores the importance of universal design in education, public spaces, and community engagement. Through this initiative, NMSS aims to create a future where all students, regardless of their abilities, collaborate to build a world that is truly inclusive.
