A S U

As part of the ongoing activities of the presidential initiative “Tamkeen”, held under the auspices of Prof. Ayman Ashour, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and within the framework of Ain Shams University’s renewed vision, led by Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, to promote awareness of the rights of persons with disabilities, the Education and Students Affairs Sector, represented by the Disability Services Center and supported by Al-Hassan Foundation, organized a wide range of interactive activities and events dedicated to students with physical disabilities.

A lecture titled “Physical Disabilities” was held at the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, targeting non-disabled students, faculty staff, and teaching assistants. The session was delivered by Eng. Alaa El-Nady, who began by addressing the etiquette of interacting with persons with physical disabilities. He emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive shift in how Egyptian society engages with disability issues, noting that the number of people with disabilities in Egypt is estimated to reach around 15 million citizens.

El-Nady stressed the importance of overcoming the limited perspectives that hinder inclusion, advocating for full accessibility and the protection of rights for all individuals with disabilities. He pointed out that two dominant societal perceptions continue to obstruct empowerment, the paternalistic “pity” view and the “burden” perception that sees persons with disabilities as dependent on society.

He further explained that such misconceptions lead to the false belief that people with disabilities always require assistance, overlooking the fact that disability can be a temporary condition anyone might face due to an accident or sudden illness. El-Nady called for the removal of both social and physical barriers to ensure the full integration of persons with disabilities into society, creating “one inclusive world” free from segregation or isolation.

Following the lecture, students participated in hands-on training sessions focusing on essential mobility skills, such as the safe use of wheelchairs on ramps and understanding different wheelchair types. The training also included practical simulations of mobility challenges to deepen experiential understanding, alongside demonstrations on etiquette and proper interaction protocols to promote inclusive and respectful engagement.

The activities were held under the administrative and executive supervision of Mr. Ibrahim Said, Assistant Secretary-General for the Education and Students Affairs Sector.