Kuwait: Jasour – News Desk
The special needs rights activist, Ahmed Al-Hasban, stated that deaf-blind individuals represent one of the most challenged groups in daily life, not only because they lack both hearing and sight, but also because the surrounding environment is often unprepared to support their unique needs. In this context, we as a society must recognize that facilitating access is not a luxury, but a fundamental human right guaranteed by divine laws and international conventions, including the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Al-Hasban emphasized that the first step towards empowering deaf-blind individuals in education is providing accessible educational opportunities that cater to their needs. These opportunities should include:
Using multi-sensory educational tools such as Braille, tactile, and integrated audio.
Providing teachers trained in communication techniques with deaf-blind individuals, such as using tactile sign language.
Integrating technology like reading devices and touch screens equipped with instant translation.
He added that vocational and social rehabilitation is the second pillar towards building an independent and productive life for deaf-blind individuals. Rehabilitation programs should include:
Teaching daily living skills such as cooking, navigating, and using assistive technology.
Preparing them for the job market by offering specialized training courses and employment opportunities that consider their abilities.
Providing psychological and social support for individuals and their families to face challenges.
Community Integration
As for integration, it is the ultimate goal we all aspire to achieve. To accomplish this, we must:
Remove physical and moral barriers that prevent their active participation in public life.
Enhance community awareness of the importance of accepting and including them as active and influential members.
Encourage community initiatives that promote their interaction, such as clubs and sports and artistic activities.
