An expert and consultant in special education and director of the Ma’an Special Education Center, Osama Madbouly, stressed the importance of integrating people with special needs into Eid celebrations, turning this occasion into a real opportunity for social learning and interaction, and enhancing their sense of belonging and citizenship.
“The holidays solve with it the fragrant joy and joy, the streets and homes are adorned with the colors of the celebration, and the smiles prevail in the faces of adults and children. However, did we ever think about how to receive this happy occasion by people with special needs? Do we take into account their needs and privacy to ensure their full participation in this festive atmosphere.”
He added that “there are challenges facing people with special needs on the feast, although the feast represents a happy occasion for everyone, but people with special needs may face some challenges that limit their ability to fully enjoy this atmosphere.”
Madbouly explained that one of the most prominent of them is “social and psychological challenges, where some may suffer from low self -confidence and fear of social rejection, in addition to feeling isolation due to the difficulty of interacting with peers in traditional activities and celebrations.”
And on the material and logistical challenges, indicating that “there is difficulty in moving and reaching the places of celebrations due to the failure to prepare the infrastructure, and the lack of an appropriate and prepared environment for their own needs in public places, in addition to the lack of facilities and facilities necessary for their participation in the activities of the Eid completely.”
Regarding the challenges related to societal awareness, he said that “there is a lack of understanding their own needs by society, and the lack of awareness of how to deal with them and involve them in social activities.”
Madbouly emphasized that in order to turn the feast into an opportunity to learn and interact to integrate people with special needs and enhance their participation, some effective strategies can be followed, among them: adaptation and inclusiveness by creating celebrations to suit their own needs, such as providing slopes for animated chairs and equipped toilets if they are not present, and the use of sign language and assistive technologies for the deaf and blind to ensure their full participation, and design activities Take into account their various capabilities and encourage participation. “
He also called for “learning through experiences by enhancing sensory experiences by taste traditional foods and hearing songs, reading stories related to Eid and explaining traditions using pictures and illustrations, and organizing creative activities such as drawing and making cards to develop motor skills.”
He stressed, “The need to enhance social interaction by encouraging family visits, participating in community events, organizing group games that enhance communication and cooperation skills, and to involve children in good works and volunteering to enhance a sense of social responsibility.”
The consultant Madbouly did not miss the provision of advice to families that include pre -planning for activities, taking into account the needs of the child, providing a comfortable and supportive environment, while avoiding crowding and excessive noise, encouraging the child’s independence and giving him small responsibilities that suit his abilities, organizing various and appropriate activities, including sensory and motor activities: colored sand games, sand drawing, correction games, and activities Educational: Games to teach trends, numbers, identify things, entertainment games: home billiards, maze, balloons, creative activities: coloring feast graphics, making decorations.
He explained that “the important thing of these activities is to ensure the participation of our children with special needs in all ways and methods.
He stressed the necessity of “creating an atmosphere of acceptance and respect for all children regardless of their abilities, and providing equal opportunities to participate in Eid activities and social interactions, organizing friendship programs that bring together children with special needs and their peers, hold awareness workshops for community members about the needs and rights of children with special needs, and organize community activities that enhance understanding and sympathy towards these children and their families, and work with local schools and organizations to expand the scope of The activities and services provided.
Madbouly concluded by saying that “the feast is a golden opportunity to establish the values of tolerance, sympathy and integration in our society, and to show our support and appreciation for people with special needs. Let us make this holiday an exceptional occasion that fills their hearts with joy and hope, and gives them a real feeling of belonging and citizenship.”
