In a step to allay the fears and anxieties of mentally disabled adults and their families, the Help Center is organizing a symposium here on Jan. 26-28. The symposium under the title “Young adults and beyond… towards a secure and stable future” addresses six main issues namely society and disabilities; employment; sheltered workshops and community living; psychological effects; rights of persons with mental disabilities; healthcare and medical issues; and the future of mental disability. Maha Juffali, director of the Help Center, explained that interactive panel discussions will be held on each of these topics. These discussions offer a chance to share and shed light on information and knowledge; share experiences and success stories; and highlight programs and projects from Saudi Arabia and around the world. Prominent professionals from involved government bodies and non-government organizations worldwide; representatives of leading international organizations, specialized establishments and institutions as well as university professors from all over the world will hold discussions with a diverse audience of parents, care givers, professionals, teachers and students. The apprehensions of both youngsters with mental disabilities and their families multiply as they grow older, especially once they reach the age of 18 and venture into the outside world away from the Help Center. “A young adult with mental disabilities ponders over his future. Where will I work? Where will I meet my friends? Where will I go? What will I do? Their families continually express their concerns too: What will happen to my grown-up child after we are gone? Where will he go? Who will take care of him? Will he find proper healthcare? Will he find shelter? The angst magnifies as time passes,” Maha Juffali said. Over 20 workshops and roundtable discussions, based on seven main topics of the interactive discussion panels, will be conducted by panelists and other distinguished professionals with smaller, homogeneous groups. An exhibition of distinguished establishments in Jeddah and abroad complements the three
