Photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter

Persons with intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties have the right to access knowledge. The Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) has been working on simplified reading, or so-called in English language (Easy Read) which is a method they seek to establish in the Arab world as a method of easy reading such as Braille or physical or audio books, etc.

This was stated by Sheikha Jameela Al Qasimi during the opening of Al Manal Forum titled ‘Simply. Easy Read and Disability’.

“This method aims to provide information to people with intellectual disabilities and those with learning difficulties and enable them to have easy access to knowledge using simple and uncomplicated vocabulary and pictures that help them to understand the content. The SCHS does all of this within specific criteria,” she said.

The SCHS organised to celebrate the entry of Al Manal magazine in its new year. It is the first monthly magazine of its kind that has maintained its continuity, stability and development, which SCHS has been issuing monthly since May 1987. Today, it has become 35 years old, working for a better future for society in general and for persons with disabilities and their families in particular.

International specialists from 12 Arab and foreign countries participated in the forum to address the challenges facing accessible books through capacity building, formation of a network of partners, and implementation of initiatives.

The editor-in-chief of Al-Manal magazine pointed to the great effort made by the city’s team during the preparation for the forum, consulting experts, holding workshops, qualifying cadres, and preparing documents in a simplified reading manner. The most important of these documents are those that help employees with mental disabilities to know their rights and duties.

On this occasion, Sheikha Jameela announced the launch of the Arab Standards Document for Easy Read from SCHS after returning to different international standards. This document came because of the workshops in which a group of specialists from different Arab countries participated. She confirmed that the document is available on the city’s website, in addition to a number of Easy Read documents for use.

She also announced the launch of a new service provided by the city aimed at various institutions to simplify documents in order to reach those with intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties.

The Director General of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services mentioned the memory of Osama Nadim Mardini, who worked as managing editor of Al Manal Magazine in its paper form and then electronic for more than twenty five years.  He passed away last March, after great achievements, which established quality practices in the organization of conferences, publishing and raising awareness.

She expressed her hope that the participation today will affirm the right of persons with intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties to obtain knowledge.  It is just common sense to enable them to have this right.  She also expressed her hope that the participation in the forum will be a quantum leap in enabling people with intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties in the Arab world to have their right to access knowledge independently and easily, thus enhancing their role in community development.

After that, the guest of the forum, the Emirati writer, Sultan Al Amimi, President of the Emirates Writers and Authors Union, delivered a speech in which he confirmed his happiness in attending this cultural event associated with an important segment of society. He thinks that the services provided by Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services in all fields deserve full respect and appreciation.

Al-Amimi explained that the city’s interest in the topic of simplified reading directed to people with intellectual disabilities and learning difficulties is an indication of high-level of professionalism. He pointed to the importance of employing technology in achieving this goal due to the great importance that reading represents in the renaissance and progress of society. He praised the civilized character of the Emirate of Sharjah and the United Arab Emirates in a way to serve all segments of society.