Abu Dhabi Women's College recognizes the International Day of Disabled Persons

Teachers and students observed the day with a slate of activities planned for special needs students at the Abu Dhabi Rehab and Care Center for Special Needs People. The trip to the Center provided ADWC students with a chance to interact with special needs students and to enhance their own awareness of the need to make a contribution to society.

Over 50 ADWC students, plus additional faculty and staff members, participated in the trip. Upon arrival at the Center, ADWC students watched a video on the many services provided by the Center. Afterwards, the students split into different groups to have personal interaction with the special needs students. Activities included a presentation to the hearing impaired, and special puzzles and tasks for students with motor disabilities and Down Syndrome. A finger puppet show was also designed to help entertain and educate the special needs students, as well as face painting which the young students thoroughly enjoyed.

The ADWC students agreed that they wanted to motivate and entertain the young special needs students, as well as provide them with an educational experience which would enrich their lives. "What we brought to them was education and that's the most valuable gift that a person can give because it will last forever," said ADWC student Fatema Yaseen Al Hosani.

The special needs students entertained the ADWC students with songs and poetry. To demonstrate what they have learned in their life skills and coping skills classes, the special needs students gave a demonstration of proper table etiquette. Afterwards, the ADWC students visited the workshop where the special needs students displayed their many arts and crafts projects.

Both groups of students found the trip to be educational and entertaining. They realized they could learn from each other and the special needs students were happy with the time the ADWC students spent with them. The ADWC students gained a great deal of respect for the special needs students and learned that even with disabilities, everyone has the capacity to live a healthy and productive life.

Each year, the United Nations recognizes the International Day of Disabled Persons by creating a theme and providing suggestions on ways to recognize the day. This year's theme is "Decent Work for Persons with Disabilities," and focuses on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by people with disabilities.