King Abdulaziz Medical City in Jeddah launched a special program here recently to highlight the challenges facing people with disabilities.

Brig. Khalid Mohammed Bachlka, executive director of health affairs at the National Guard Western region, and Abdulaziz Al-Awad, deputy executive director for administration and health affairs at the National Guard and chairman of the employment committee for people with special needs, attended the event.

Several charity and medical facilities dealing with disabilities took part including associations for the deaf. Bachlka said the event was held to mark International Day for the Disabled, which calls on society to provide support for people with disabilities.

He said people with disabilities should be considered “heroes” because of their courage, patience and ability to live happily despite their difficulties.

He said the event would also send the message that they are able to contribute to the community if given the opportunity to do so.