‘I am their eyes, ears and voice’: Dubai father’s journey with his deafblind sons

Dubai International Airport is testing an autonomous wheelchair designed to transport passengers directly from check-in counters to aircraft gates. The device, currently undergoing trials at Concourse D in Terminal 1, features four light detection and ranging cameras that allow it to navigate the terminal independently. Operators are evaluating the system with the goal of expanding the pilot program to Terminal 3. A manual override function enables travelers moving alone to halt the vehicle at any point during the journey. Dnata is conducting the tests, aiming to reduce transit times for individuals with limited mobility. The technology was showcased alongside other innovations at the Dubai AccessAbilities Expo held at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The event displayed assistive technologies for people with impaired mobility, sight, and hearing, as well as those with intellectual disabilities. Attendees were invited to test the new solutions firsthand. While the autonomous chair focuses on airport logistics, broader trends in accessible infrastructure were also highlighted. Market projections suggest the global assistive technology sector for people with disabilities and older adults could reach $98.7 billion by 2033. The mobility aids segment specifically is expected to hit $1.1 billion by 2031. According to the US digital accessibility firm Onward Accessibility, the Middle East is home to more than 50 million people with disabilities. Emirates airline representatives discussed parallel efforts to improve accessibility within the carrier's operations. Suhail Amshan, senior manager in the office of accessibility and inclusion at Emirates, noted a shift in passenger behavior over recent years. He observed that more individuals are now comfortable discussing their specific accommodation needs openly. Amshan stated that arriving at airports can feel overwhelming, and previously, some passengers hesitated to request necessary adjustments from staff. To address this, Emirates has become the first airline globally to receive autism certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. This process required training more than 30,000 frontline employees and cabin crew members on autism-specific travel requirements. Support measures under this certification include digital sensory guides and physical items such as fidget toys for neurodivergent passengers. The airline also launched travel rehearsal programs in approximately 80 airports starting in 2023. These sessions allow families to practice airport procedures before actual flights. Infrastructure upgrades have included modifications to business class lounges, installation of biometric passport scanners, and redesign of check-in desks to accommodate wheelchairs. Amshan acknowledged that staff interactions with disabled passengers vary widely. He emphasized that crew members are trained to customize solutions based on individual needs, recognizing that the landscape of accessibility is constantly evolving. At the same expo, Fawaz Al Hasban shared his personal experience caring for his two sons, Ahmad and Osama. Both boys suffer from Usher syndrome, a rare genetic disorder causing hearing loss and progressive vision loss. They also manage autism and balance issues. Al Hasban, known as Abu Abdullah, described himself as providing his sons with eyes, ears, and a voice. He rejected labels of heroism, preferring to view his actions as standard parental responsibility. The brothers communicate using tactile sign language, a method that relies on touch rather than sight. Education played a central role in the family's strategy. Both sons attended the Perkins School for the Blind. Ahmad furthered his studies at the Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults in the United States. Assistive technology has enabled greater independence for the brothers. Ahmad uses adapted devices to read content on an iPad, access applications, and send emails. Osama, who retains some vision, also utilizes an iPad. The family traveled to Jordan, visiting sites such as Ajloun Castle to expose the boys to new environments. Al Hasban encouraged parents to model strength and confidence, noting that children often mirror their caregivers' resilience. He argued that societal perceptions should view disability as part of human diversity rather than a deficit.