Okaz/Saudi Gazette MADINAH — According to experts, one in every 1,000 children born in the Kingdom is disabled. Social psychologist Dr. Nawaf Al-Marwani said 3.72 of Saudi citizens are disabled in one way or the other. "There are 730,000 citizens registered as disabled under the Ministry of Social Affairs. The ministry offers rehabilitation support to citizens with disability," said Al-Marwani. He also said the ministry runs several daytime care centers in various regions of the Kingdom. "The centers offer a variety of consultations and services including health checkups, psychological sessions and social sessions. The centers also encourage physical exercise among people with physical disabilities," said Al-Marwani. He said the main purpose of these centers was to give children and adults with physical disabilities an environment that resembles the mainstream society. "It is very important that adults and children with disabilities feel that they are essential members of society and that they are needed and appreciated. They deserve equal rights and equal opportunities in society," said Al-Marwani. He also said the centers offer children play therapy and enunciation sessions to equip them to mingle with other children in public. "The centers also encourage early intervention in some cases of disability. The centers are not only for physical disabilities but also mental disabilities. The centers offer services for people with learning disabilities, the deaf and the visually impaired," said Al-Marwani. He said there are centers that cater to autistic individuals as well. "The centers organize seminars to enlighten parents of children with disabilities. The Ministry of Social Affairs offers various financial aid to families of people with disabilities," said Al-Marwani.
