Al-Ubaqiraa Day Care Center, in cooperation with Al-Baha University, held a scientific forum today marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities 2024, under the theme "Advancing the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future." More than 16 government bodies took part in the forum, which highlighted the importance of early intervention in reducing the effects of disability, alongside strengthening psychological and social support for persons with disabilities and their families.

Forum recommendations: research center and artificial intelligence

The forum's scientific committee recommended establishing a specialized research center focused on disability and deploying artificial intelligence technologies to develop innovative treatment programs. The committee also proposed a permanent partnership between Al-Ubaqiraa Center and Al-Baha University to activate social responsibility initiatives through conferences and events and the transfer of expertise locally and internationally.

The recommendations also called for building a comprehensive database with detailed information on people with disabilities and the services provided to them in the Al-Baha region, aiming to improve service quality and target them more effectively.

Specialized sessions and workshops

The forum included two main sessions:

  • The first session addressed psychological and social support for persons with disabilities and their families.
  • The second session focused on programs and services provided to persons with disabilities, with proposals to improve them.

Several workshops were also held, including:

  • Communication disorders and how to address them.
  • The role of care teams in special education programs.
  • A proposed approach to educating people with hearing and visual impairments and autism spectrum disorder in Saudi universities.

Strategic partnerships and an inclusive future

The forum aims to strengthen cooperation between various bodies to develop services for persons with disabilities and raise community awareness of their role in building an inclusive and sustainable future. Participants stressed the need to adopt modern technology and artificial intelligence as effective tools for improving quality of life and promoting independence for this group.