AGU, Gulf Disability Society mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

The Arabian Gulf University (AGU) has marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, approved by the United Nations in 1992, in an effort to bolster the rights of this important segment of people across all social and development fields.

Marking the day was also part of the university's commitment towards supporting human rights and implementing the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, AGU said.

Organised by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the event was celebrated this year under the theme "Day for All" to raise awareness of disability as part of humanity.

Two of AGU's faculty members hosted workshops in cooperation with the Gulf Disability Society.

"The Sensory Properties of Autistic Individuals" was conducted by the Head of the Learning Difficulties and Developmental Disabilities Department at the University's College of Graduate Studies (CGS) Dr. Wid Hussain Daghustani who presented the theory of sensory integration, principles and goals of the sensory therapy programmes, in addition to the basics of dealing with sensory disorders for those with autism. 

The workshop was designed for mothers of disabled children and autistic persons as well as teachers involved in educating kindergarten students and those with an interest in providing care to people with disability.

Special Education Assistant Professor at the Learning Disabilities Department Dr. Mariam Al Shirawi conducted the second workshop that shed light on common behavioural problems among autistic and mentally disabled people. She recommended various ways to create programmes that aim to solve such behaviours. 

Collaborating with the Gulf Disability Society to mark this day comes as part of AGU's commitment to serve the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) community and achieve the community partnership principles by partnering with various GCC-based organisations, in addition to maintaining the rights of disabled people through the launch of initiatives and programmes.