SAUDI GAZETTE JEDDAH — Tears welled up in the eyes of the audience attending the graduation ceremony at Effat University recently as they listened to the heart-rending story of one of the graduates. The hall was silent except for some cheering as Dua Al-Ghamdi, a visually impaired student, read her speech in both English and Arabic moving her fingers over a keyboard. Addressing the audience she said her disability has proved to be an "ability." Her mother, who handed some roses to her on the stage, received no less cheers than her daughter with Dua telling her mother, "I would have not been able to achieve anything if you were not by my side." Dua, a graduate of English Language and Translation, had a short interview with Saudi Gazette. She recounted her journey, which she described as having ups and downs. Dua studied up to high school at Al-Nour School for visually impaired students in Jeddah. "At that time my mom used to get books to help me study and with the support of my family I managed to graduate with distinction," she said. The challenges, however, started when she graduated from high school as she wanted to specialize in languages and translation. After an ardent search she managed to take a step toward her dream. But on joining university she experienced a number of hurdles since no facilities and suitable study materials were available to help her in her studies. She noted in her speech that with cooperation of her family and university staff and with her commitment the experience turned out to be a successful one. In her first year at the university one of Dua's sisters accompanied her to help her move around the campus. "Later I got used to my second home and I moved around to go to my lectures and exam areas with little help. I used to have my exams in a separate location and I write my answers on a laptop." A problem that still encounters visually impaired students is that the resources are still not available in Braille, Dua said. Asked about what she would do next she noted, "I was able to overcome challenges. My mother is supporting me all the way. This degree is just a starting point for me to pursue my studies and get a suitable job. This is my ambition, and I will go for it."
