Cairo: Jasour – News Desk
At the Arish Culture Palace, a one-day conference on cultural empowerment for individuals with special needs, titled “Civil Society and Building Special Needs Individuals: Towards a Harmonious Environment,” was held as part of the Ministry of Culture’s programs under the presidential initiative “A New Beginning for Human Development,” overseen by Mohamed Nassef, Chairman of the General Authority for Cultural Palaces.
The conference commenced with the opening of an art exhibition featuring works by individuals with special needs, including a variety of paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts, alongside a book fair showcasing the latest publications of the Cultural Palaces Authority.
Mohamed Mahmoud Abdel Nasser, the conference president, stated that the role of public culture is to empower individuals with special needs through services provided in collaboration with civil society institutions to develop their abilities and enhance their integration into society, achieving sustainable development goals.
Ashraf Al-Mashraani, Director-General of North Sinai Culture, highlighted the intensified cultural and artistic programs tailored to meet the needs of this group, especially during the upcoming period, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Special Needs.
Najah Suleiman, the conference secretary-general, expressed her appreciation for the Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Palaces Authority, praising their leading role in supporting efforts to empower individuals with special needs and thanking those who organized the conference.
The conference continued with various research sessions. Dr. Mona Suleiman presented a behavioral program for children with autism during the first session, focusing on social stories as an effective educational tool to address common behavioral issues within this group.
In the second research session, Azmi Dehshan, a sign language trainer, discussed the pressures faced by families of individuals with special needs and the role of the state in facilitating inclusion amidst technological advancements.
The conference activities continued with a session titled “Educational Management and Its Role in Supporting Special Needs,” featuring contributions from Dr. Amal Zanati, an educational instructor; Dr. Abdul Karim Mohamed; Dr. Noha Mohamed, Director of the Student Support and Service Center; and Dr. Sawsan Hijab, Chairwoman of the Women’s Rights Association.
The conference recommended providing full support for individuals with special needs by offering the necessary resources and services to create an inclusive society that ensures equality and dignity in various aspects of life.
The event concluded with the honoring of Amal Abdullah, Head of the Cultural Region of the Canal and Sinai, on reaching the age of sixty, along with other individuals who contributed to supporting individuals with special needs.
