Access and Equity in Dubai: Our Experience at the AccessAbilities Expo

Louise Dawson standing proudly next to the AccessAbilities Expo branding wall, featuring the event logo and the Louise Dawson Inclusion logo, highlighting the partnership.

We are delighted to share the highlights of our incredibly rewarding time at the AccessAbilities Expo in the Dubai World Trade Centre!

Initially, we hadn’t planned to exhibit. Historically, the Expo has had a primary medical focus, but when the organisers called and expressed their dedicated interest in branching out to include education accessibility and inclusive learning, we couldn’t possibly say no. This shift is a powerful indication of the growing recognition that access in education is just as vital as physical access.

From the 6th to the 8th of October, we were busy on our stand, working hard and sharing the story of Louise Dawson Inclusion. It was a fantastic opportunity to discuss how our business came to be and, more importantly, to demonstrate exactly what we do as a company to drive meaningful change in schools and homes across the region.

The Louise Dawson Inclusion stand at the AccessAbilities Expo in the Dubai World Trade Centre during setup, featuring purple curtains and branding, with a spin wheel and display areas ready for visitors.

Showcasing Inclusive Education Technology

Our stand became a hub for innovation and learning. We were thrilled to showcase some of our most exciting resources and partnerships:

  • Widgit Communication Boards: We had a brilliant time demonstrating the power of these new communication boards, which are essential tools for non-verbal and visual learners, supporting inclusive communication across all settings.
  • Everyway Insights: We shared our knowledge about Everyway, a key resource that helps schools and parents navigate and support diverse learning journeys.
  • Able UK Partnership: It was a pleasure to officially introduce one of our newest partners, Able UK, and demonstrate their invaluable contributions to creating more accessible environments.

These partners are just a few of the 45+ global partners we work with, all of whom provide varied and high-quality products that can help all children, especially those with additional learning needs, thrive in their education.

Louise Dawson Inclusion and Becca from Widgit showcasing a large Widgit Communication Board at their stand, pointing to the pictograms, demonstrating tools for inclusive communication.

Purple Bags and Community Connections

Beyond the invaluable conversations and demonstrations, our “Spin the Wheel” prize pot was a huge hit! We gave out plenty of sweets and pens, but the undisputed star attraction was our signature purple tote bags emblazoned with the Louise Dawson logo.

It was heart-warming to see so many people walking around the Expo, proudly repping our brand. The popularity was overwhelming—we even ran out of bags on the final day, which, while unfortunate for those still wanting one, certainly confirmed the visibility of our message!

The AccessAbilities network brought together a diverse range of significant companies and individuals. It was truly amazing and deeply heartening to be among so many inclusion-focused people, confirming that we are not alone in our passion for ensuring access and equity for everyone. We made connections with many important figures and, excitingly, met some potential new partners that we hope to collaborate with to grow our community even further.

It is advocates like the legendary KittyOnTheWheels who make events like this one worth it!

Our time at the AccessAbilities Expo in the Dubai World Trade Centre reinforced one key thing: the momentum for educational inclusion in the UAE is building, and Louise Dawson Inclusion is proud to be at the forefront of that movement.

Louise Dawson and two other attendees in wheelchairs smiling for a photo at the Louise Dawson Inclusion stand, with a branded spin wheel in the background, showcasing positive connections made at the AccessAbilities Expo.

A Mark of Recognition: Supporting People of Determination

On the third and final day of the Expo, Louise Dawson received a significant honour: a Certificate of Appreciation presented under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

The certificate was awarded “in recognition of your invaluable efforts to support People of Determination and providing them the opportunities to play an overall development role in the community and its welfare.”

Close-up of the Certificate of Appreciation presented to Louise Dawson Professional & Management Development Training by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum at the AccessAbilities Expo, recognising efforts to support People of Determination.

Louise Dawson is deeply honoured to receive this prestigious certificate and to be recognised for the dedication and hard work that has gone into both the last few days and the many years spent building our business. To be recognised by His Highness the Sheikh is a brilliant and profoundly rewarding affirmation of our commitment to access and inclusion in the UAE and beyond, motivating us to continue our mission to empower the community.

Louise Dawson and a colleague smiling holding the Certificate of Appreciation at the Louise Dawson Inclusion stand, celebrating the recognition for supporting educational inclusion.

To learn more about AccessAbilities Expo click the link below:

Watch us set up our stand on Youtube, and subscribe for more fun events and information. Louise Dawson PMDT is always expanding and sharing our new accomplishments onto our page!

Events such as the AccessAbilities Expo are built entirely around people, and we want to extend our sincere thanks to each and every person who took the time to visit our stand and share their stories with us over the last few days. Despite all the hard work that went into the preparations and setup, the experience has been incredibly rewarding, and it’s the connections we’ve made that truly make it worthwhile. We look forward to continuing these important conversations with the community in the weeks and months ahead!

If you are reading this because we met at the Expo, a massive welcome to our website! We hope to continue the conversation. Please find more information about our mission, partners, and services on our main page, linked below.

Or book a one-to-one meeting with me here: