Abu Dhabi support group helps people with disabilities make their mark in the workplace

An organization in Abu Dhabi with a mission to Empowering people with disabilities and help them progress in the workplace.

Butterfly, an advocacy group, is helping to answer the call of people with disabilities who desire greater independence. The group also wants to make sure businesses are ready to deliver on their inclusive promises.

Marilena di Coste, who founded the group, said it was crucial for the company to have an open mind to integrate employees from different backgrounds.

To achieve this, The Butterfly recently launched an inclusive employment ecosystem, backed by leading companies.

“Almost every week I get calls from parents or people of determination asking for help finding a job,” Ms Dijkoster said.

“It’s not enough for companies to say they are inclusive. We want them to walk the talk. We give them a roadmap to follow and measure results. We also have tailored solutions.

Working together for a common vision

“It’s great that each company is trying to be the best it can be, but we think there’s more to come if everyone can join forces – not only at the company level, but also to facilitate collaboration with the public departmental dialogue.

“We’re trying to bring the private sector, the public sector and the authorities together because if we come across something that requires a change in legislation, it can be done quickly.

“It doesn’t have to be fragmented. My dream is to see a beautiful movement where we can work together and take care of people of determination.”

Butterfly collects an annual leadership fee and hosts monthly webinars and discussions to support employers in catering for workers with disabilities.

Their first members were major employers Siemens Energy, e& and Standard Chartered Bank.

Ms. Dickoster has witnessed the progress made in promoting the rights of people of determination in recent years.

She moved to the UAE in 2011, determined to support people with disabilities.

She initially had some difficulties before her big breakthrough in 2019.

“All I can say is, the market wasn’t ready, but I made up my mind and I persevered,” she said.

Butterfly received key funding in 2019 from the social incubator program run by Maan, the Social Contribution Authority.

This was established by the Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development to encourage the development of concepts and start-up projects to help people with disabilities address the issues they face in the community.

“I chose the word ‘butterfly’ because when it flaps its wings in one part of the world, it creates ripples in another part of the world,” Ms Dijkoster said.

Butterflies are a “one-stop shop” for determined people and their families, she said.

This group provides guidance to individuals and companies on the best ways to support and embrace determined people.

“Let’s say you have a child who gets involved in a car accident and suffers brain damage and you don’t know what to do. We can support and guide you instead of rocking from side to side,” she said.

It also supports parents by helping them apply to schools.

“We’ll give you a list of inclusive schools, and if you’re turned down, we’ll go with you,” she said.

“We’re a voice for vulnerable people and a link between them and the authorities.”

There are 180 families registered with The Butterfly. About 80% of these children have autism.

In April 2021, Cabinet approved the National Autism Policy to align with broader efforts to support people with disabilities.

The policy sets out ways to make services accessible to people with autism, ensure their inclusion in education and wider society, and train more qualified professionals while increasing community awareness.

The policy includes 14 initiatives across five pillars – diagnostics, healthcare, human resources, inclusive education, and community awareness and empowerment.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, said the emirate was committed to providing “the highest quality services” to people with disabilities following a visit to the Dubai Autism Centre in March.

Updated: August 11, 2022, 6:50am