Ingenuity, perfection from the shadow of disabilities

According to Sabra bin Ammar, manager of Al Malath Rehabilitation Center stated their centre seeks to market the distinctive skills of disabled youth who locate it challenging otherwise to locate a platform and connect straight with the public.

“Al Malath Rehabilitation Centre was formed in 2015 and it currently has about 35 disabled youth. While some have hearing disabilities others have autism spectrum disorder. Through the Muscat Festival we are trying to show the world the varied talents of these people.” From rehabilitation to coaching, the Al Malath Rehabilitation Center gives a variety of coaching programmes for each males and females so that they can be integrated into the society.

“There are workshops for females which include, tailoring, handicrafts and accessories making. Workshops for males include carpentry, upholstery work, thermal printing, small business management and poultry farming. Our workshops focus on developing the talents of these disabled youth and encourages them to be useful in society. The training courses vary from six months to three years,” stated Sabra.

The centre mostly markets and sell goods created by these youth and also provides them some remuneration each month. “We also help these youth get jobs with government and private institutions after the training periods,” stated Sabra.

Sabra stated it is a job convincing the society and parents of these youth to give them a likelihood and prove themselves. “Some private companies are afraid to hire them. It is also a task to market the products made by these youth because people look at it with prejudice. Some parents too find it difficult to believe in their children.”

The centre is also operating to spread awareness. “The Ministry of Social Development helps us provide experts who help these youth to understand and hone their talents. I am thankful to the municipality for giving us the opportunity to participate in Muscat Festival and promote their products to a global audience,” stated Sabra.

Information Source: Muscat Daily