DOHA: There is a need in Qatar to focus on making education accessible for people with disabilities through programmes such as an early intervention plan for children born with developmental disabilities, says an expert.
Dr Wafaa Al Yazeedi (pictured), Chairperson, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), said healthcare teams, families and various sectors should continue working together throughout the year to raise awareness about the rights of people with disabilities, who comprise 20 percent of the population in developing countries.
“This programme will focus on teaching them skills to communicate and interact with others, provide families support and guidance to successfully raise their children, and teach them vocational skills as they reach working age.”
International Day of Persons with Disabilities was recently commemorated at Rehabilitation Unit of Rumailah Hospital. It complemented similar celebrations at HMC’s community-based medical care and rehabilitation facility in Muaither. Both event highlighted HMC’s role in breaking barriers for people with disabilities and promoting their full and effective participation in society.
“Our goal for people with disabilities is for them to have independence and dignity, and freedom to do what they want to do,” Dr. Al Yazeedi said, stressing the importance of the HMC rehabilitation team’s expertise and leadership in advocating for people with disabilities.
The team has been working on many fronts to promote better acceptance of people with disabilities, including increased educational and work opportunities, improved standards for accessibility of buildings, roads and other infrastructure, and generally an equal voice in society.
During the event at the hospital, patients rehabilitated through an intensive programme from brain injury and spinal cord injuries or stroke, testified highlighted their positive experiences from their multidisciplinary care team.
In line with the event’s theme, ‘Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology’, participants also benefited from a presentation by Charlie Danger, Senior Assistive Technology Specialist, Mada (Qatar Assistive Technology Center), on special equipment available for free for citizens and expatriates who have lived in Qatar for at least two years.
The special devices, such as adapted keyboards and eye-gaze technology, allow people with severe physical disabilities to access a computer for a range of tasks, from communicating with families to creating artwork.
The Peninsula
