Wednesday 19 / March / 2025
In her 25 years in Oman, Dr Kawthar Abdullah, an educational psychologist, has not just worked with children suffering from learning problems and other disabilities, but has also been upfront and persistent in her efforts to make a difference in the life of the disabled in Oman.
“For some time now, we have been trying to introduce the concept of beach ramps in Oman, as I feel it is important for any place in the world to be disabled-friendly so that disabled people are independent in their movement. It is sad when people with disabilities do not have access to facilities without help,” said Dr Kawthar, raising concerns about the daily challenges faced by those who are handicapped.
Dr Kawthar feels strongly that the disabled deserve the same rights as all other people, and brings up a pertinent question on the importance of making all public services accessible for people with disabilities.
“Why should people in wheelchairs need assistance? Why aren’t there sidewalks with ramps in most malls and shopping complexes? Don’t they, too, need freedom of movement, like the rest of us?”
Talking about her journey, Dr Kawthar, who started the Creative Centre for Rehabilitation, a school for the disabled, tells how her real-life experience introduced her to this ‘different’ world.
When she came to Oman after staying in America, she was met with a challenge that was new to her ... both her sons were diagnosed with dyslexia. “I did not know whom to ask for help, or where to go for my sons,” remembers Dr Kawthar. But, instead of giving up, she decided to do something in this country to help herself and others facing similar challenges.
While today, both her sons have been able to manage their difficulties well, she has worked to ensure that others are able to find a way to overcome their problems too. She breaks common myths by saying that learning difficulties have nothing to do with intelligence, but are a neurological disorder in which children have problems in their academics. She also says that, on the contrary, a child with learning disorders can be extremely sharp in other areas.
Having worked in close coordination with different schools in Oman, Dr Kawthar feels that before jumping to conclusions, or even living in denial about a child’s learning problems, it is mandatory for a child to receive a proper assessment.
“There are different kinds of tests. From IQ testing and reasoning assessments to autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and the like. A child who shows any symptoms should go for a test,” says Dr Kawthar, who performs assessments at American Specialty Clinics Centre in Qurum, and also at Creative Centre.
Talking about the increase in cases of learning disabilities and autism in Oman, and worldwide, she says that while experts cannot pinpoint a single reason, environmental factors might be one of the biggest reasons.
“I have been here for more than 25 years and have seen a rise in autism, and it is worrisome. You cannot say exactly why, but it has lots to do with environmental factors. There are chemicals in our foods and we do not know what we are eating. That is why I urge parents to have their children stay away from food that’s processed,” she noted.
Be it a simple learning problem or a severe case of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome or physical disabilities, Dr Kawthar feels that society should be more inclusive for people with disabilities and that awareness is most important. Also, the community as a whole has to be accepting.
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