JEDDAH, 6 October — In a first time experience in Saudi Arabia, a blind child surfed the Internet yesterday.
In the presence of Makkah Governor Prince Abdul Majeed, eight-year-old Hani Filinban surfed the Net relying entirely on his sense of touch and hearing at the Center for Developing the Skills of Children with Special Needs.
“We are thankful to Prince Abdul Majeed for his encouragement and participation and we appreciate all the support we’ve received from the government,” said Dr. Ilham Harasani, director of the center. The prince announced that the center will be renamed Prince Abdul Majeed ibn Abdul Aziz Al-Saud Center for Gifted Children with Special Needs. He also announced the approval of providing computers to the center for the use of children.
The computers are equipped with a special program that teaches the child to read and write using voice and touch capabilities. The child types the words using a regular keyboard, then the computer sounds the words out to the child. It also indicates to the child if there are any spelling mistakes and reads out the information appearing on the screen as the child surfs the Net. “We noticed that Hani was a quick typist and was interested in the Internet more than regular children,” said Dr. Harasani of the child who participated in the experience. “Such experience gives the child more self-confidence and a psychological balance because it makes him feel no different from other children; in fact they feel special.”
At the center the officials make sure that children with special needs mingle with normal children and be part of mainstream society. “I feel that mainstream society is very cooperative and understanding of the needs of these children, and the government is providing all necessary facilities,” said Dr. Harasani.
“It’s the families and the surroundings of children that hinder their development and put psychological and other barriers that prevent their advancement in life.” She emphasized the need for more awareness and understanding by the families of these children.
