JEDDAH: A three-day symposium on adults with mental disabilities began yesterday at the Help Center in Jeddah’s Andalus district.

The event will address six main themes: society and disabilities; employment; shelter, workshops and community living; psychological effects; the rights of persons with mental disabilities; health car; and the future of mental disability. Each of these topics is the focus of interactive panel discussions.

The symposium is offering a platform for acclaimed professionals from all over the world to share their experiences and success stories — all for the benefit of adults with mental disabilities, their caregivers, their families, as well as concerned authorities. The ultimate goal is to generate recommendations for governmental and nongovernmental entities, individuals, caregivers, corporate employers and media professionals.

Twenty-two workshops and roundtable discussions have been planned, conducted by the panelists and other professionals who will break down the audience into smaller homogeneous focus groups to discuss more specific matters.

An exhibition of distinguished establishments in Jeddah and abroad complements the three-day event.

The exhibition offers the opportunity to partners of the Help Center to showcase products, services and equipment that are available to adults with mental disabilities.