National MS Society & UAE Universities Unite for Inclusive Design Innovation

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) has launched a groundbreaking partnership with six top universities across the UAE through the Universal Design for Inclusion Program. This milestone collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), is aimed at embedding accessibility and inclusion into academic learning while encouraging students to champion inclusive design.

Empowering Youth to Tackle Real-World Accessibility Challenges

This forward-thinking program is designed to increase awareness around the everyday hurdles faced by People of Determination—especially in areas related to cognition, mobility, and communication. Students are encouraged to devise innovative, practical solutions that improve accessibility, making inclusion a lived reality, not just a concept.

Educating Future Changemakers on Multiple Sclerosis and Universal Design

At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to educate students about multiple sclerosis (MS) and universal accessibility. By equipping young minds with both theoretical knowledge and practical design skills, the program nurtures a new generation of inclusive innovators capable of building environments that welcome everyone.

Learning Through Experience: A Hands-On, Human-Centred Approach

Delivered in collaboration with top UAE universities, the program integrates a variety of learning formats—awareness sessions, expert-led workshops, and one-on-one discussions with innovators and individuals living with chronic conditions. These engaging experiences give students a realistic view of the barriers people face, ensuring their solutions are grounded in empathy and understanding.

His Excellency Ahmed Taleb Al Shamsi, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Foundation and Vice Chair of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, said: “Empowering youth to become changemakers is at the heart of this program. The Youth Awareness Program is a crucial step in supporting a new generation of innovators who are committed to designing a more inclusive future. This initiative is about more than awareness; by combining education with practical design challenges, we are empowering students to become advocates for accessibility and equipping them with the skills to create meaningful solutions that improve lives.

“We are especially grateful to the universities and faculty members who have integrated this program into their curriculum. Their commitment has made this initiative possible, ensuring that students engage with accessibility as a core design principle from the outset of their careers. This initiative is about more than awareness; it’s about action. By involving students directly in the creation of solutions, we are nurturing a generation that not only understands accessibility but champions it.”

Nationwide Reach and Impact

This first-of-its-kind initiative spans six prestigious universities across 11 campuses, including institutions like Abu Dhabi University, Khalifa University, University of Sharjah, and Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation. The program brings together over 500 students, 45 faculty members, and numerous industry experts, creating a powerful network of changemakers committed to accessibility.

From Insight to Innovation: The Student Journey

The program begins with immersive Empathy Workshops that place students in the shoes of people with chronic illnesses, helping them understand their challenges firsthand. These sessions are followed by in-depth mentorship and expert guidance, where industry professionals and chronic illness ambassadors offer practical advice and share inspiring success stories.

Showcasing Talent: Prototypes with Purpose

Participants will present their final prototypes to a jury of experts who will evaluate them based on innovation, functionality, and real-world application. Top-performing teams will be celebrated with an expert jury award, reinforcing the value of inclusive, impactful design.

Bridging Ideas and Implementation with Sheraa

The top three student teams will be welcomed into the Startup Dojo program at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa). This next step provides vital support through mentorship, funding guidance, and pitch training, helping young creators bring their prototypes to life as scalable, real-world solutions.

Her Excellency Sara Belhaif Al Nuaimi, CEO of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa), said: "At Sheraa, we’re proud to support the final stage of the Universal Design for Inclusion Program by welcoming the winning teams into our Startup Dojo. This reflects our commitment to empowering youth to turn inclusive ideas into scalable ventures that address real societal needs.”

She added, “We believe inclusivity is key to strong, thriving communities. This program provides students valuable insight into real-world challenges and inspires practical solutions for all. At Sheraa, we’re proud to help turn these ideas into reality through mentorship and support—shaping a more inclusive future.”

Guiding Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Mentorship and Support

Sheraa will offer dedicated sessions to help both winners and runners-up refine their presentations and understand the grant process. This support will culminate in a final showcase event in September, where students will pitch their projects to a larger audience.

Building a Culture of Accessibility in Line with National Goals

Aligned with the UAE’s national strategy for inclusion, the program highlights the importance of universal design in shaping education, infrastructure, and community participation. Through early exposure to accessibility-led innovation, NMSS is fostering a generation ready to build a society where design includes everyone.

A Collective Movement for Inclusion

Echoing the UAE’s Year of Community theme, “Hand in Hand,” this initiative brings together universities, industries, and local communities to promote inclusive thinking. By placing accessibility at the core of innovation, NMSS and its partners are ensuring that inclusive design becomes a collective commitment—strengthening communities and reshaping futures.