Cerebral palsy fails to debilitate determination

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Dubai-based person of determination, Bilal Hafeez, has penned down his autobiography to inspire scores of other people awaiting some motivation.

His autobiography, ‘An Extraordinary Life: Living with Cerebral Palsy’ is launched recently in a book signing ceremony held at Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination.

The event was attended by supporters of people of determination, students and people from different fields to encourage Bilal Hafeez, a remarkable individual of determination with cerebral palsy (CP), who has overcome significant challenges to achieve his dreams.

In 2019, Bilal made headlines in the UAE when he, along with friends who have Down’s syndrome, were employed as paid members of the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 Local Organizing Committee. This achievement was a result of Bilal’s training at the Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination and his collaboration with Dr. Amit Kakkar, a Dubai-based media and communications specialist. Bilal was selected as one of the UAE’s first batch of journalists with disabilities, marking a significant milestone in the region.

Born to Pakistani parents in Kuwait in 1983, Bilal Hafeez faced immense challenges from the very start. Complications during his birth led to cerebral palsy, a permanent movement disorder that affected his muscle coordination. Unable to use pen and paper, Bilal learned to type on the computer and, in his autobiography which took over 10 years to be completed, he shares his journey from childhood to adulthood, detailing the societal misconceptions he confronted and the personal obstacles he overcame.

The book produced and published by Motivate Media Group and sponsored by Ewings – the managing operator of Mahzooz, which is on temporary pause, awaiting issuance of the new draw license.

Ian Fairservice, Vice Chairman of the Al Noor Training Centre said: “We are incredibly proud to support Bilal in sharing his story with the world. I have known Bilal for many years.”