Forum highlights efforts to empower persons with disabilities

Muscat: The activities of the “Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Forum” commenced on Sunday, organised by the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS) in cooperation with the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, and several disability associations.

The forum was held under the auspices of Dr. Abdullah Hamoud Al Harthy, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Persons with Disabilities Affairs, with the participation of a number of officials, specialists, and interested parties.

The forum aims to bolster efforts to empower persons with disabilities and highlight national initiatives designed to support and integrate this segment into various fields of life, in alignment with sustainable development goals and Oman’s future vision.

Manal Nasser Al Rawahi, Head of Continuing Education and Community Service, stated that the current stage requires a redefinition of the role of persons with disabilities to ensure they are active partners in the development process rather than merely recipients of services.

She pointed out that what distinguishes this forum is that it was created with the actual participation of persons with disabilities in designing its programmes and proposing its ideas, representing a qualitative shift toward true empowerment based on partnership.

She added that the primary message of the forum is to change societal perceptions toward persons with disabilities, emphasising that they possess potential for contribution and creativity whenever the appropriate environment is provided, moving away from the traditional perspective based on pity.
The forum’s programme included a variety of segments, such as the “Inspiring Student” session which showcased success stories, alongside the presentation of specialized scientific research in the field of disability, reflecting the cognitive and research progress in this area. Furthermore, the forum featured a panel discussion titled “Integration for Empowering Persons with Disabilities,” which addressed several themes, most notably the role of institutions in empowerment, ongoing efforts, and coordination mechanisms with relevant authorities. The discussion also reviewed the key challenges facing institutions and opened the floor for dialogue among attendees to formulate recommendations that contribute to developing institutional work in this field.

The event witnessed the honoring of several supporting entities and prominent initiatives in recognition of their efforts in serving persons with disabilities.

This was accompanied by a visit to an exhibition featuring introductory and interactive corners that showcased various programs and initiatives dedicated to empowerment.

Additionally, the forum was held alongside several cultural and artistic activities, including a section for fine arts and music, sign language training programmes, corners for entrepreneurs with disabilities, and interactive experiences reflecting their capabilities and creativity.

The organisation of this forum underscores the importance of integrating efforts between various government, private, and civil society institutions to enhance comprehensive empowerment opportunities for persons with disabilities and support their effective participation in the nation’s development process.