EVENTS & HAPPENINGS
International Day for Disabled People The Disabled Children Association celebrated the International Day of Disabled Persons at the King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Center in Jeddah last December. The day marks its support of individuals with disabilities, raising awareness about issues that matter to the six hundred million disabled people of the world and voices their obstacles and hardships. Taking place on the third of December each year, the event sees a positive support on national and international levels. by: Syed Shabbir Siraj In large attendance were wheelchair bound children, smiling brightly and enjoying their day as they were transported around the facility by a family member. Many people were taking part in the event for the first time and loved every minute of it. A variety show was also organized for the children and it was thoroughly enjoyed by the young and old alike. Media personnel also gave the event great coverage as a team from Saudi Channel One conducted several interviews with visitors and did a tour of the facility and photographers from various newspapers took photos of people and the general atmosphere. The main hall was occupied by booths of companies who either had products that benefited the disabled or were there to showcase their services and hand out gifts to the children. Amongst the companies present were Nahdi Medical Company, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Batterjee for Special Needs and Louashy. In the smaller halls of the building, stalls were set up by local rehabilitation centers and charity groups which were selling all kinds of art and crafts, many made by disabled children, and were also handing out literature about their organization. Mr. Abdelaziz Al-Mohisen, head of the Special Needs Unit at Saudi Arabian Airlines, was all praise for the event and had on
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display several innovative items in the form of menu cards in Braille and a pictorial card with common commands that were made especially with disabled persons in mind. “We have a role to play in the society and working with disabled people gives you a feeling that is indescribable in words. The Disabled Children Association has done commendable work on today’s event and every prior event that has taken place, we should all be proud of their commitment.�, said an excited Mr. Al-Mohisen. The mission of the Disabled Children Association is to provide solutions to parents with disabled children and individuals with handicaps by conducting programs that benefit and give them the confidence to step in to the outside world without any hesitation and to be bold. With events like this one and many more taking place every year in Jeddah, the disabled surely have a lot to rejoice about.