To develop the skills of persons with disabilities in the fields of technology and science

As part of the cooperation between the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities—one of the centers operating under the umbrella of the Qatar Foundation for Social Work—and the Qatar Scientific Club, an agreement has been reached to implement joint programs between both parties at the Shafallah Center's headquarters.

On this occasion, Ms. Maryam Saif Al-Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities, stated that the signed memorandum of understanding aims to integrate and empower the Center’s members through various scientific activities and events organized by the Qatar Scientific Club.

She emphasized the importance of promoting an inclusive culture and raising awareness about the significance of scientific inclusion for persons with disabilities. This, she explained, contributes to building a more understanding and appreciative society that values human diversity, and provides a scientific environment that allows everyone to participate and benefit, regardless of physical or sensory abilities.

In this context, Al-Suwaidi noted that the cooperation seeks to leverage the services and expertise offered by the Qatar Scientific Club for the benefit of the Center’s members with disabilities. She added that the Qatar Scientific Club will serve as an official partner in Shafallah Center’s scientific programs and projects. She further confirmed that both parties are working to provide opportunities for community support and strategic partnerships that serve the affiliates of Shafallah.

In a related context, the Executive Director of the Shafallah Center stated that both parties will launch a LEGO Robotics Championship for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, in addition to the Qatar Scientific Club supporting the Center by showcasing the members’ products at the Club’s headquarters.

She also affirmed that the staff at the Qatar Scientific Club will receive training on how to effectively interact with persons with disabilities and meet their needs in the best possible way. She pointed out that the Qatar Scientific Club will grant membership cards to the Center’s members and will organize quarterly training workshops throughout the year for Shafallah members with disabilities at the Club’s premises. These workshops will be tailored to the members' abilities and needs and will be scheduled in coordination between both parties so as not to interfere with the Club’s existing services for them.

She added that the Qatar Scientific Club will work to enhance the capabilities of Shafallah members and support their future projects in line with the Club’s resources and capacities.

Ms. Maryam Saif Al-Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Shafallah Center, expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the Qatar Scientific Club in promoting the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities in the fields of technology and science.

For his part, Engineer Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis, Deputy Executive Director of the Qatar Scientific Club, stated that the Club plays an important role in supporting persons with disabilities through a range of initiatives aimed at promoting their inclusion in society and providing them with equal opportunities.

He emphasized that the Club strives to educate and train persons with disabilities, offering training programs designed to develop their skills in the fields of technology and science, thereby enabling them to participate actively in society.

He also pointed out that some of the Club’s initiatives focus on developing assistive technologies, such as smart devices and applications that facilitate the daily lives of persons with disabilities and help them achieve greater independence.

In a related context, Engineer Abdulrahman confirmed that the Club will work diligently to strengthen its cooperation with the Shafallah Center, aiming to utilize the Club’s scientific resources to support and empower persons with disabilities. He stated that the participation of persons with disabilities in scientific activities will enhance their self-confidence through interactive environments and scientific programs that allow them to engage alongside their peers, which in turn fosters their acceptance within society.

Engineer Abdulrahman Saleh Khamis also noted that scientific activities open educational and professional horizons for persons with disabilities, helping to identify their interests and abilities, which can qualify them for future academic or career paths.

He added that the involvement of persons with disabilities in scientific activities plays an effective role in stimulating both mind and body, while also enabling them to connect with others, contributing positively to improved behavior, reduce stress, and decreased social isolation.

In conclusion, Engineer Abdulrahman praised the efforts of the Shafallah Center in integrating and empowering persons with disabilities across various fields. He expressed his hope for achieving further accomplishments aimed at enhancing the level of services provided to persons with disabilities in society.

It is worth noting that the Qatar Scientific Club was established in 1987 and operates under the umbrella of the Ministry of Sports and Youth. The Club is a non-profit scientific organization dedicated to promoting learning, innovation, and research in the fields of science and technology. Its mission includes developing infrastructure to support best scientific practices, building systems and procedures to improve institutional capacity, and supporting innovative ideas and projects.