Saudi Gazette The physically disabled need certain special privileges in residential, health and commercial complexes to help them move around with ease. However, the Kingdom sourly lacks in providing services that help facilitate their movement. In order to overcome these difficulties, the Shoura Council has approved of a new building code, which would require building owners to provide basic services to them. Dr. Mazen Al-Khayat, a Shoura Council member, said that the building code will mandate building owners to install elevators, ramps for wheelchairs, and reserved parking spaces. This initiative was suggested by the Housing Committee of the Shoura Council and the Organization for Saudi Engineers. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs will not grant a construction permit to those building owners who fail to include these provisions in their buildings' design and blueprint. He believes that this is a positive and important step that will assist the physically disabled and greatly ease their struggle and inconvenience. The building code strategy was met with a unanimous approval from all Shoura Council members. In addition, Prince Sultan Bin Salman, who seeks to help the old and disabled, supports this initiative and will coordinate with the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs for the same. “This project is not limited only to those people who cannot walk and need wheelchairs to move around. This project also intends to serve people who are blind and deaf, too. The goal is to create a safe environment for the disabled that allows them to easily access their own homes, public buildings, schools, universities, work places, healthcare centers, and entertainment outlets. It will help them conduct their daily affairs easily and lead normal lives without depending on others,” said Dr. Al-Khayat. In the near future, this initiative will take another step and provisions will be provided on roads, sidewalks, parking lots, public buses, taxi cabs, shopping centers, and grocery stores to help people with special needs reach their desired destinations with minimum obstacles. Dr. Al-Khayat himself has physical limitations, but it did not deter him from being successful and achieving his goals. He is the first person with a physical disability to achieve the position of a Shoura Council member. He had survived a tragic car accident in 1990 that killed his brother and left him in coma for three months. His injuries resulted in permanent disability that necessitated the use of wheelchair, however, his sheer determination led him to resume his education and work, which showed him the path of success and made him a member of the Shoura Council. __
