Abdulaziz Saleh Al Hamri urge stronger measures to promote employment of visually impaired individuals

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

Fines imposed on companies for not hiring visually impaired individuals are not working. They benefit no one and simply allow big companies to go scot-free. Rather than punishment, what we need is encouragement. We need laws that incentivise companies to hire differently-abled people in the Kingdom.

This way, these individuals would truly benefit. Fines are not proving effective, as they have little to no impact on the budgets of large companies. This is according to Abdulaziz Saleh Al Hamri, a board member of the Friendship Society for the Blind, one of the first organisations in the Gulf region dedicated to supporting individuals with visual impairments.

The society offers a wide range of cultural, sporting, and health-related activities. Pointing to the drawbacks, he said the current legislation provides very little encouragement for recruiting people from this important segment of society. Previous statistics indicate that there are over 1,300 blind individuals in Bahrain.

He is, however, optimistic, citing the example of two young men, the first blind computer science graduates in the Kingdom. For Al Hamri, their determination stands as a testament to the potential of visually impaired individuals.

One is a graduate of the University of Bahrain, while the other is currently in his second year at Kingdom University.

Progress has been made, but more is needed

Bahrain, he said, has made significant strides in empowering the visually impaired through improved services and legislation. However, several areas still need attention.

What matters is implementation. "While there are laws in place, their implementation remains a challenge," Al Hamri told the Daily Tribune, also adding that some legislation requires review.

Laws give companies an option to decline

“While companies may not outright refuse to hire individuals with disabilities, the law allows them to decline based on certain justifications,” he said.

"The issue lies in the interpretation and application of these clauses," he explained. "The current law imposes fines of BD250 to BD500 on companies that refuse to hire disabled individuals, an amount that large companies can easily absorb,” he pointed out, adding, “We need to provide incentives for companies hiring disabled people, rather than punishing them with fines that have little impact on their budgets."

Lack of opportunities One pressing concern is the lack of employment opportunities for blind individuals.

"There is a lack of faith in their abilities and potential to contribute to the workforce," Al Hamri explained. "When they are employed, it’s often in positions that don’t demand skills or effort."

"The problem is that when we hire a blind person, we don't place them in productive roles with growth potential, roles that align with Bahrain's vision and sustainable development goals."

Social integration

He stressed the need for comprehensive social integration, "not just talk, but action."

"We need to see individuals with disabilities as valuable members of society who can contribute to the nation’s progress."

Al Hamri also highlighted the importance of strict legislation and enforcement. "We need to ensure that these laws are not just on paper but are actively implemented."

Voice of the blind

"We strive to be the voice of the blind community," Al Hamri explained.

"We are the only organisation in Bahrain that supports blind individuals, and we aim to connect them with relevant authorities. We also act as a watchdog for legislation, ensuring its implementation and advocating for the needs of the blind community."

The society's scope extends beyond citizens, encompassing all visually impaired individuals in Bahrain. Its mission is to support all aspects of their lives, including finding employment opportunities.

"We are here to help all blind people, regardless of their nationality or background," he asserted. The Friendship Society for the Blind continues to advocate for the rights and inclusion of the blind community, urging authorities to address these challenges and ensure a brighter future for all.

The success of the two computer science graduates serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within the blind community, and the need for a society that embraces their talents and provides them with the opportunities they deserve. "Technology has now paved the way for blind people to contribute even more. They are just waiting for more opportunities to showcase their abilities," he concluded.