The number of organizations for disabled people has shown a sharp increase in recent years with a total of such bodies reaching 40 this year in comparison with just 24 in 2007. This was disclosed at a meeting of the leaders of various Saudi humanitarian associations in Abha recently where they exchanged information on matters concerning people with disabilities.

The two-day event was organized by Prince Salman Center for Disability Research (PSCDR) under the aegis of Prince Faisal bin Khaled, Asir Gov, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA), the Association of Southern Women and the Families of Autism Organization. Prince Sultan bin Salman, Chairman of the Coordinating Council for the Disabled Children’s Organization and PSCDR Trustee President, was also present. “The increased number of associations dealing with the disabled indicates a rise in the level of awareness among various segments of society which reflects the importance of these associations and their services including scientific research and material and moral support to persons with disabilities,” said a source at PSCDR. The high-profile meeting aims to unite efforts in the service of people with disabilities, and promote interaction between governmental and private organizations concerned with disability issues. They also want to upgrade their services and programs catering to people with disabilities. In his speech, Prince Sultan said that the 5th consultative meeting was the fruit of the PSCDR project planted more than five years ago. One of the outcomes was the formation of the coordinating council for charities in the Kingdom.

According to him, the most important development was the submission of the 40 recommendations to MSA, which took prompt action on their implementation, while some of them have already gone into effect. The PSCDR is currently implementing some of these recommendations, including one for creating a universal access program. Prince Sultan lauded the support of King Khaled Charitable Foundation and Princess Al-Anood Foundation as key players and contributors to the consultative meetings.