RIYADH, 19 September 2007 — Businessmen, philanthropists, private companies and members of the community donated over SR24 million to the Disabled Children’s Association (DCA) at a major ceremony here on Sunday evening to mark the organization’s 25th anniversary.
The ceremony was attended by DCA founder and Riyadh Gov. Prince Salman, DCA Chairman Prince Sultan ibn Salman, Saudi Research and Marketing Group (SRMG) Chairman Prince Faisal ibn Salman, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh and senior government officials and businessmen.
Noting the achievements of DCA over the past quarter century, Prince Sultan ibn Salman said that through DCA’s six centers in the Kingdom the association helps over 3,000 disabled children a year.
“Over 700 disabled children have been integrated into public schools after they completed their rehabilitation programs at DCA’s centers,” said Prince Sultan.
Prince Sultan said the DCA had a responsibility of reaching out to the public to create awareness about disability and to make the public better understand the organization’s role.
He gave the example of how DCA had trained thousands of Saudis in the field of special education over the years. He also mentioned the success of many DCA social programs such as “Try the Wheelchair,” which gives members of the public a general feeling of how it feels to get around in a wheelchair.
“The organization has been able to successfully change the perception people have of disability. People now have a positive attitude toward disability,” he said.
During his opening speech, Prince Salman lauded the efforts of his son Prince Sultan in serving his country, his religion, and a great human cause through his leadership of DCA over the years.
He said the fact that so many philanthropists supported DCA in the Kingdom illustrated the good will among Saudi citizens, referring to Saudi Arabia’s as “solidarity society”.
The governor said the boys and girls accommodated at DCA’s centers in the Kingdom were children of the nation who deserved to be cared for.
On his part, the grand mufti encouraged Muslims to support the cause of DCA. He said the association was a charitable one, adding that it was the duty of Muslims everywhere to help their brethren, especially those who were disabled, including children.
Over 100 honorary certificates were distributed to new DCA members during the ceremony.
DCA was established to provide comprehensive care for disabled children from birth to 12 years of age who could benefit from its therapeutic, educational and rehabilitation services. Currently, DCA has six branches located in Riyadh, Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah, Al-Jouf and Hail.
