SCHS MARKS INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
The Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS)-affiliated Al Wafa School for Capacity Development hosted a symposium on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, with the theme "Leadership of People with Disabilities: Between Reality and Overcoming Challenges... Experiences, Stories, and Success." Khorfakhan Literacy Council organized the symposium as a part of the school's annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd, in collaboration with the branches of SCHS.
Dubai Radio broadcaster Mr. Majid Ahmed Ibrahim Al Janahi hosted the symposium's first session, which was themed "Leadership and Facing Challenges." The following individuals spoke: Dr. Abdullah Awad Balith Al Hammami, Visual Impairment Specialist at the Ministry of Education; Mr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Qaed, Member of the Board of Directors of Al Thiqa Club for the Handicapped and Chairman of the Technical Affairs and Talent Care Committee; and Mr. Louay Saeed Ali Obaid Al Naqbi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Khorfakhan Club for the Disabled.
Mr. Hassan Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Assistant Teacher (Special Needs Department) at Al Noor International School in Sharjah; Mr. Falah Salah Abdullah Al Ali, Photographer at Sharjah Police General Command; and Mr. Khaled Talib, Production Employee at the Atiq Project at the Masarat Center for Development and Empowerment affiliated with SCHS, were the speakers at the second session, which was hosted by Ms. Noura Ahmed Ali Muftah Al Zaabi.
Under the theme "Strengthening the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future," Dr. Samia Mohamed Saleh, Director of Al-Wafa School for Capacity Development, confirmed that the main goals of this year's celebration were to strengthen the leadership of people with disabilities, protect their rights, empower them to advocate for themselves, and strengthen their leadership roles because nothing matters to them without them.
She said, “Encouraging people with disabilities to grow independently, access the best healthcare without discrimination, and boost their self-esteem and abilities through participation in various activities, in addition to full participation in all facets of life and development, are some of the main objectives of the annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration”.
She clarified that the work at Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, which was founded in 1984 with the start of SCHS's operations and is regarded as the first mental disability school in the United Arab Emirates, has advanced over the years by offering appropriate and suitable services to individuals with autism spectrum disorder, multiple disabilities, and mental disabilities using the most up-to-date techniques and resources.
Highlighting that SCHS's leadership in working with people with disabilities centers on containing, advocating for, empowering, educating, and integrating them in accordance with the best international practices, she also mentioned that 1,143 people with disabilities will benefit from SCHS's services during the academic year 2024–2025.
By sharing educational videos about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the significance and ramifications of the slogan, the Kallba SCHS branch took part in the celebration. Students from a number of centers for people with disabilities nationwide participated in a program called "Young Players," which was also organized by the SCHS branch in Al Dhaid.
In honor of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Kallba branch of SCHS hosted a parent-only recreational event that featured a variety of games and competitions as well as a dialogue session with handicraft workshops where parents could share their experiences.
The self-advocates participated in a discussion session led by Sheikha Al Qasimi, SCHS's self-advocacy coordinator, at the Al Wafa School for Capacity Development headquarters. The discussion covered a range of topics relevant to individuals with disabilities and their parents, including employment and the difficulties they encounter.
Students from SCHS branches participated in and watched a series of cultural and recreational activities as part of the "Challenge Race" program, which marked the end of the celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.