Sermon calls for inclusion, not pity, for disabled in everyday life

ABU DHABI // The mentally and physically challenged must be integrated into society whenever possible, and the Muslim's duty towards them goes beyond providing care and showing empathy, worshippers were told during yesterday's weekly sermon. Parents, educators and employers have a duty to give children and adults a fair chance to prove themselves.

"Today we have in our midst many people with special needs, like the blind, the deaf, the mentally or physically challenged. This compels us to provide them with the latest educational tools available so they can be a contributing force in building our nation," said the Government-issued sermon. "With a helping hand, many of them are able to contribute to society. "There is great virtue in helping them achieve this."

The sermon comes as education authorities push for a smoother integration of children with special needs into mainstream schools. It was announced this week that 40 children with special needs will enter the public school system from the next academic year. They include students with hearing and sight problems, autism and cerebral palsy, as well as children who are developmentally disabled or have learning disabilities.

Unlike many sermons which are repeated within a year, this is the first in at least 14 months to address the issue, and its approach differs from the usual call to help the needy merely with charity and sympathy. People with disabilities battle stigma and a lack of services in the Arab world. It is rare to find public buildings and services that accommodate wheelchairs, and campaigns to integrate children with special needs into mainstream schools are controversial.

The General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments said the topic of the sermon had been requested by the Zayed Higher Organisation for Humanitarian Care. The organisation signed a partnership agreement this week with the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation to promote opportunities in performing arts for people with special needs. The five-year joint initiative will include a programme to encourage talented disabled people to take part in performances.

Parents of children with disabilities often lack the awareness and education they need. The child's disability often strains the marriage, according to a speech therapist who works with children with special needs in Dubai. Many parents are also reluctant to use services available for fear of stigma. Schools trying to integrate students with special needs sometimes get complaints from other parents, some fearing a disability could be contagious or harmful to their own child.