JEDDAH, 6 October 2004 — A forum for the employment of those with special needs was opened here yesterday by Dr. Muhammad Abdul Aziz Al-Sahlawi, general director of the Human Resources Development Fund, on behalf of Labor Minister Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi.
Organized by the HRDF in collaboration with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry (JCCI), “Ma’an” (Together) aims to encourage the employment of people with special needs.
In his opening address, JCCI Chairman Adel Faqeeh acknowledged the efforts of the private and public sectors in training those with special needs but commented that there was yet more to be done in tackling the issue.
“This forum provides the opportunity to hear from those of special needs themselves who experience the difficulties in dealing with the professional world and employment,” said Faqeeh. “We hope and intend that this forum concludes with realistic and practical intentions that enable the employment of those with special needs.”
The opening day of the forum saw presentations and workshops conducted by professionals in fields related to supporting those with special needs and a short film in which several handicapped individuals themselves expressed the benefits of training and being independent. They made the point that the true handicaps were not so much physical or mental deficiencies as the attitudinal handicaps of people, culture and society.
The film showed Shatha Kurdi, a young woman in her 20s with mental as well as physical handicaps due to hereditary defects who talked of how training and employment had influenced, developed and improved her life. Now trained in language and computer skills, she works as a receptionist.
Dr. Sami Al-Saqqa in his presentation agreed and said that handicaps are not only physical or the mental but the culturally and socially handicapped way of thinking directed toward those with special needs. He emphasized that in order for the system to change, the attitude of people must also change.
“We mustn’t stereotype the handicapped or employ them and train them out of pity. They must be handled as equals and employed because they are rightfully qualified for the job,” said Al-Saqqa.
Showqi Khayyat, a married man and father, spoke of his unfortunate car accident that left him in a wheelchair and how with the support of family and the system he has been able to get back on his feet.
Dr. Yousef Al-Qarbuti, regional consultant for professional training from the International Labor Training from Beirut gave a presentation related to the role of centers and institutions for training those with special needs.
Many of the audience were concerned parents who had children with special needs.
“My daughter is in a wheelchair and I’m concerned for her. Sure we’re taking care of her now but I worry about her and her future,” says Saeed Al-Harbi. “I want to make sure that she won’t be at the mercy of strangers and that she earns her own living. This world can be a cruel one. Being female can be a handicap enough without being physically handicapped.”
“I have trouble sleeping because of my son,” said Umm Ayman. “He has Downs Syndrome. It hurts my heart to see how others look at him with disdain or disgust. He’s a child who is very different in a very different way. It isn’t his fault; why should he suffer the consequences? I search for things like this forum because I’m adamant that I arm my son with all that I can to ensure a secure future for him.”
