The 4th International Conference on Disability & Rehabilitation (ICDR-2014) was held last month in the Kingdom in which it was stated that Saudi Arabia was the first country to ratify the Convention on the Rights of People with Special Needs following the UN Convention. It was also added that Saudi Arabia respected the dignity and independence of the disabled and was the first to uphold their rights in society. Disability as defined by the Convention applied to individuals who have “long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.” During last month's event a number of people presented papers, some specific to the status of the disabled in this country. The president of the Human Rights Commission stated that there was a global "qualitative change in vision regarding the disabled, from negligence, marginalization and compassionate philanthropy to comprehensive development of human rights." He said that "this change states that disability results from the interaction of the disabled person with his environment hindering him from accessing his basic rights and full participation in public life on an equal footing with others,” and concluded that all "issues relevant to disability should prioritize development plans accordingly." In a speech to the general audience, another Saudi, Talaat Alwazna stated that the Kingdom was the first to endorse the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol in 2008. “The Kingdom continuously develops relevant disability regulations. It has also established a special unit for the disabled for raising the awareness on the Convention,” he added, concluding with his assertion that "the Kingdom promotes international cooperation in disability legislation, having organized many international forums on disability applications including training and support for the disabled." A third speaker added that many of the problems of disabled people are "a result of the disabled interacting with the surrounding environment which is reluctant to accept them as normal people. This impedes their effective participation and access to equal treatment." He also acknowledged that "discrimination of the disabled infringes their right to human dignity." Most of us know someone who suffers from some form of disability be it physical or mental. And if most people are like me, then they would also notice the lack of appropriate facilities for the physically or mentally impaired. If you talk about difficulties facing the physically disabled then look around and see how many wheelchair ramps you notice in public service organizations and schools. Then add up all the parking areas reserved for the physically handicapped. Add to that the number of centers you know of that cater to helping the physically impaired cope with everyday living. If the total exceeds the ten fingers on your hands, then you are seeing something I am not. According to the Convention, "persons with disabilities should be able to live independently and participate fully in all aspects of life. To this end, the appropriate agencies should take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access, to the physical environment, to transportation, to information and communications technology, and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public." Is that happening countrywide? I am not so sure. I have seen new buildings and offices in the public service sector opened this year with nary a thought for the needs of the physically disabled. Who allowed builders and contractors to get away with this oversight is beyond me. As for those who are mentally impaired, the shortfall in the services provided for them would fill another column. There are many conditions in the said Convention that are, unfortunately, not being applied to the welfare of our residents who have special needs. Just putting pen to paper does not provide the necessary tools where they are desperately needed. It takes more than a signature to ensure the welfare of people with special needs. — The author can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @talmaeena
