Dar Al-Hekma University celebrates exceptional children’s day

The Special Education Department at Dar Al-Hekma University organized an event to celebrate the international day of persons with disabilities.
The event, which was held at the university’s campus, was aimed to boost creativity among kids with different disabilities.
The Help Center in Jeddah joined Dar Al-Hekma University in the noble cause by promoting their annual bazaar of goods and handcrafts made by people with Down syndrome. 
“Our vision is the engine that builds the educational strategic plans that goes hand-in-hand with the Saudi Vision 2030 and the Ministry of Education’s plan to deliver education that competes globally and contributes in building the society locally,” said Suhair Hassan Al-Qurashi, president of the university.
“It is our belief that teachers are the key role for the success of this strategy and the importance of providing equal learning opportunities to all the students. The university sought the latest and most successful special education theories to enable teachers to graduate community leaders and entrepreneurs regardless of their disadvantages,” she said. 
A number of activities were held at the event, including the use of an equipment that allowed guests to feel how autistic individuals see.
The main activity was conducted by students who performed a play.  The performance was a replication of “Introduction to the Special Education” course under the supervision of Dalia Hamada where students played the characteristics of each disability.
“Education is a very important facet of our society as it directly impacts the development of individual and our human resources. With human capital as the single-most important asset of our country, we must ensure that our education is going in the right direction, and maximize the development of our human resources. Education is the first port of call in the development of an individual and it is the right for each and every child, including children with disabilities,” said Nadia Taibah, an expert. 
“It is essential to promote awareness toward disabilities, which will increase public acceptance and make it easier for disabled individuals to feel part of the community.  Special education professionals and students have always worked hard in trying to improve the quality of life for disabled children.”
Areej Al-Asseri, provost at the university, said special education is a unique discipline.