(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Representatives from education, accessibility and technology sectors brought innovative thinking and challenging ideas to the table last week at the Definitely Able Conference in Qatar, presented by Sasol and the British Council, in partnership with Qatar Museums (QM).
More than 200 people from across society in Qatar and around the world attended the event over two days, held under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, chairperson of QM. The accompanying Ilham Art Exhibition wrapped up a 10-day run at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) over the weekend.
Definitely Able Conference host and disability champion Simon Minty said of the event, "Before something becomes a non-issue, it must be made an issue. That's what this conference has done for disability in the region."
The conference highlighted experience over theory, via contributions from experts in Qatar, the region and around the world who represent the public and private sector as well as civil society organisations. Strategic partners of the event included QM, MIA, UCL Qatar, as well as support from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, Supreme Education Council, Qatar University, Mada - Qatar Assistive Technology Centre, Unesco Doha office, Oryx GTL, Al Noor Institute for the Blind and Audio Education Complex.
Marjo Louw, president, Sasol Qatar, said: "We believe that the conversation about inclusion for disabled people has now started in earnest. We thank the many participants from Qatar government and civil society organisations that took the time to be with us during the conference."
In closing session, panelists expressed hopes for the legacy of the Definitely Able Conference one year on. The artists, scholars and government representatives each provided visions for the conference's legacy, from having more disabled adults as visible role models to disabled children in the community, the enactment of policies that help increase access to assistive technology, and the start of a change in perception of disability in society.
The Ilham Art Exhibition saw hundreds of visitors, including school groups such as Al Ruqayya Preparatory, come to appreciate works of art from seven disabled artists. Inspired by the collection of the MIA, the pieces were on display to all visitors.
British Council Qatar director Martin Hope said, "We received fantastic response to the conference and exhibition, with people coming from all walks of life to see the art created by the disabled artists. We will continue to work on the issue of inclusion via cultural understanding and keep the conversation going long after the closing."
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