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October Roundup – 2025

Table of Contents

AccessAbilities Expo 2025: Advancing Inclusion Through Dialogue and Collaboration

2025 marked The Butterfly’s third consecutive year participating in the AccessAbilities Expo, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 6–8 October. The Expo continues to be one of the region’s most significant platforms for disability inclusion, bringing together People of Determination, families, advocacy groups, public institutions, private sector organizations, and community partners. 

This year, we were honoured to have our stand inaugurated by Ms. Hiba Qutub, Senior POD Specialist at the Department of Community Development. Throughout the three days, we engaged with our Inclusive Employment Ecosystem (IEE) Members including the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and M42, as well as many of our Community Partners. The daily Parades of Inclusion brought energy and visibility to the shared vision that inclusion must be embedded, celebrated, and carried forward into action. 

The Expo provided an important space to introduce The Butterfly’s mission to new organizations across multiple sectors while reconnecting with our broader community. As we wrapped up on 8 October, we left with strengthened partnerships, renewed purpose, and clear priorities to continue expanding opportunities for inclusion across the UAE and the region.

October IEE Workshop: The Power of Culture and Inclusive Leadership

On 17 October 2025, we held the third workshop of Year 3 of the Inclusive Employment Ecosystem, hosted by Kent at their offices in Abu Dhabi. As one of the newest members of the IEE, we were pleased to experience their active engagement and commitment to learning.

We also heard impactful case-sharing from Kent and M42, highlighting progress, challenges, and strategies that continue to shape their inclusion journeys. The workshop closed with a focused discussion on building and implementing effective Inclusion Policies.

The session served as an important reminder that culture and leadership are not one-time initiatives but ongoing commitments that require reflection, accountability, and shared ownership. We look forward to continuing this work at the November IEE workshop.

The Butterfly at the UN Regional Conference in Beirut

From 21–22 October, The Butterfly participated in the UN ESCWA and UN ILO regional conference titled “Towards Inclusive Employment and Entrepreneurship Ecosystems in the Arab Region” held in Beirut. 

Our founder and CEO, Marilena di Coste, joined as a panelist on the session “Inclusive Workplaces: Pioneers and Champions”. She shared insights from the Inclusive Employment Ecosystem (IEE), highlighting the key role of private sector collaboration, shared standards, and community support in creating long-term change. 

The conference brought together policymakers, businesses, NGOs, and researchers to exchange strategies to improve employment pathways and entrepreneurial opportunities for People of Determination. It provided a valuable platform to contribute learnings from the UAE and to build deeper regional cooperation in advancing inclusive economic development. 

Supporting Families Through the October Parent Community Sessions

Supporting families has been a core commitment of The Butterfly since our inception. Throughout October, we hosted a series of Parent Support Meetings designed to offer shared learning, emotional support, and practical strategies for daily life. 

The month included four sessions: 

  1. 2 October – General Community Support Meeting 
    An open space for parents to share personal experiences, questions, and challenges. 
  1. 16 October – “Why Children Behave the Way They Do” 
    Led by Yusra Sayed (Behavior Therapist), discussing influences on behaviour and practical approaches to support children’s communication and emotional needs. 
  1. 23 October – “Empowering Individuals: The Role of Physical and Occupational Therapy” 
    Facilitated by Hussein Elelaimy (Physiotherapist & Occupational Therapist), exploring how therapy supports independence, mobility, and daily well-being. 
  1. 30 October – “Understanding and Supporting Challenging Behaviours at Home” 
    Presented by Catherine O’Farrell of Incluzun, offering tools to identify triggers, respond effectively, and build positive routines. 

These sessions continue to reinforce the importance of community-driven support, shared learning, and compassionate spaces for families raising children who are People of Determination.