TAIF, 9 January 2007 — Turn on your TV and you will see hundreds of channels in different languages from different countries. Most of them are for entertainment and news with only a small number being for purely educational purposes.
The idea of establishing a satellite channel for handicapped and disabled children was recently presented in a symposium held in a hospital in Taif. Disabled children suffer in a number of ways; the first is that there are not enough schools and institutions to deal properly with them. Then there are the children’s families — many are poor and cannot afford the special care that is needed.
Others live in remote and rural areas where, regardless of their financial situation, it is impossible to take the children to schools and centers on a daily basis. With a satellite TV channel, however, everyone could have the chance to watch and learn. A few professionals at the station could also respond to phoned-in questions and requests for information.
Dr. Samira Jambi, a genetic pediatrics consultant who deals with the handicapped, said, “This is an excellent idea and offers a possible solution to the problem of children whose families are unable to provide the specialized education needed. The channel could also teach the families the best ways of dealing with their children.”
Dr. Majdy Hazaa, an ophthalmology consultant and the father of a handicapped child, stressed the preventive aspect saying, “Many cases of handicapped children have been the result of problems during delivery. Asphyxia (condition caused by insufficient oxygen) can cause cerebral palsy and thus prenatal follow-up for the pregnant woman is a must.”
He went on to say, “A special satellite TV channel could raise the level of awareness of both the public and medical professionals. ... The severity and the degree of the disability will dictate a treatment plan. Use of proper medical equipment also can contribute to the children’s wellbeing by showing people what is needed and how the equipment should be used.”
