Social development ministry organises forum on techniques of dealing with the disabled

Muscat--- The Ministry of Social Development today organized a public awareness forum titled “Techniques of dealing with people with disabilities”.The event was held as part of the “Purple Saturday” initiative undertaken within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to foster the culture of social inclusion and highlight awareness about their rights. The event brought together employees and specialists from government units and the private sector. It aimed to encourage public and private sector establishments to adopt more inclusive practices in the interest of people with disabilities.The forum's activities included a working paper that debated the ‘social model of disability’ and stressed the need to develop a concept of ‘comprehensive inclusion’ that ensures equal opportunities to encourage the participation of people with disabilities in various fields of life in a manner that facilitates their independence.The paper was presented by Majda Sabir Al Balushi, a researcher in the field of guidance and counselling. She underlined the importance of applying global principles in public facilities, services, products and work environments to make related data available for all, right from the beginning.The researcher laid emphasis on professional etiquette in dealing with people with disabilities. She stressed the importance of applying correct methods of communicating with the disabled, including the use of approved legal terminology and avoiding concepts or phrases that imply pity or discrimination. She also called for respecting the privacy and independence of people with disabilities. This, she observed, includes considering the assistive devices and tools used by people with disabilities as part of their privacy.