RIYADH: A Saudi government agency championing the rights of disabled people has been showcasing more than 680 inclusivity projects.
The Authority of People with Disability’s Tamkeenthon hackathon focused on innovative ideas aimed at improving societal integration for those with restrictive conditions.
The event, which ran from Nov. 22 to Jan. 13, highlighted solutions, programs, and initiatives for creating a more inclusive society.
Hisham Al-Haidary, CEO of the authority, noted that the Tamkeenthon was an opportunity to tailor solutions to the needs of people with disabilities.
He said: “Tamkeenthon aligns with the authority’s efforts to create solutions and programs for persons with disabilities across various sectors.”
Dr. Hisham Alhaidary, CEO of the Authority of People with Disability (APD), delivering his speech during the closing ceremony of the Tamkeenthon event. (Supplied)
The top 10 teams were chosen for their ideas to promote empowerment and enhance the lives of disabled people.
First-place team Bahaa designed clothing that could be adapted for wear by people with different kinds of disability.
Team Ma’k (With You) came second with its companions’ connection app, while third spot went to the Samaa Tech team for a bracelet to help those with hearing disabilities in emergency situations by using vibration and lighting alerts.
Authority spokesperson, Khaled Khabarani, said: “Tamkeenthon is not about winning or losing, but rather a program to empower and enhance services for people with disabilities, focusing on creating adequate and suitable opportunities for them.”
He pointed out that several government sector and international consulting companies had offered free advice to event participants.
