The University proudly celebrated International Disability Day with a unique event. The Special Education and Speech & Hearing programs have invited students and schools to participate in a one-of-a-kind competition; Challenging students from different areas of studies to create products and solutions for people with disabilities.

With cooperation from Help Center, The First Autism Center in Jeddah, Jeddah Institute Speech and Hearing Center (Jish) rganization, YNMO and a selection of prestigious centers pertaining to caring for people with special needs.

The University challenged the students with the competition to promote excellence and creativity in finding unique and necessary solutions for special members of society. “Promoting inclusivity and empathy are our main goals” Said Dr. Mona Al Haddad.

“It’s a fantastic initiative by the Special Education Department in the University, society as a whole is in need of such innovative and bright ideas with perspective to enlighten and educate the community… After all , the leaders of tomorrow are presently studying to become the future innovators” Said Ms. Abeer Julaidan, Deputy chief of the First Autism Center in Jeddah, and a member of the competition’s jury.

The University hosted The Help Center’s students (The Desert Knights) in a performance from Saudi Heritage which was enjoyed and applauded by the audience. A student from Al-Nour Institute Rawan Saleh Naji performed the National anthem and more music on the piano, on the grand stage prior to honoring the official sponsor of the event (Hemmam Jameel Center) and the competition judges.

The Judge’s panel included Eng. Rowaid AlSawaf, Chief Corporate Officer, Abdul Latif Jameel Investments, as well as Eng. Ahmad AlKatheery from Abdul Latif Investments, Mr. Faisal Shaath of Milk Design, Dr. Nada Fakieh from the college of Applied Medical Science in King AbdulAziz University as well as Ms. Abeer Julaidan.

The first prize winner was student Kiran Arshad of the Management & Marketing School won for her project which created awareness for school ages children about the needs of people with disabilities. Second prize winner Jumanah Felemban from the School of Visual communications for her board game that teaches people with disabilities the concept of tim 

Monday, December 16, 2019

management. The winner of the third place Aseel Sabbagh, also from the Schoool of Visual Communications for her painting depicting people with autism.

This initiative comes in line with the University’s value of the year “A University with a Social Mission”, creating new opportunities to improve life as we know it.