A workshop for alleviating hurdles faced by blind students in public schools concluded Wednesday in Sana’a. The workshop coincided with Disabled World Day and was organized by the Yemeni Disabled Forum, in partnership with the Aman Association for Taking Care of the Blind. It was funded by the Ministry of Education and the British Cultural Council.

The three-day workshop aimed to highlight the educational rights of the blind according to international standards. The workshop also called for the government to adopt educational policies to help integrate blind people into society.

Hana Al-Shami, a project assistant at the British Council, said the workshop produced ideas based on an “on-the-ground”action plan.

 Dr. Ahmed Ateeq, a supervisor and a trainer for the workshop, said a team made up of organizations affiliated with the educational process has been established to submit regular reports on obstacles blind students and those that teach them face.

There were 45 participants, including school principals, sociologists, and representatives of disabled associations and the Ministry of Education. The workshop included four working papers focused on issues of integrating those with sight disabilities, the definition of an integration program and ways to combat institutional shortcomings.  

Daris Mutahr Al-Ba’adani, a blind university student, provided insight on what he hopes workshops like this can create.

“The blind need autonomy when they learn and receive their lessons,” he said. “This cannot happen unless they get the academic books in a proper way, in addition to providing them with staff qualified to deal with them. If this takes place, then we can say the blind exercise their life autonomously."