A S U

The Faculty of Specific Education at Ain Shams University celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3rd, through a special event organized by the Department of Educational and Psychological Sciences. The celebration was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, and Prof. Osama El-Sayed, Dean of the Faculty, and was attended by Prof. Zeinab Mostafa Moussa, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs; Prof. Dalia Hussein Fahmy, Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research; Prof. Rana El-Helaly, Director of the Students with Disabilities Support Center at the University; Dr. Samia Serry, Director of Training and Rehabilitation Centers at the “Baseera” Center for Persons with Special Needs; and under the supervision of Prof. Mohamed Mostafa, Head of the Department of Educational and Psychological Sciences.

In her speech, Prof. Zeinab Mostafa Moussa emphasized the importance of integrating students with special needs into the educational process, stressing the faculty’s role in providing a supportive and motivating environment for them.
Prof. Dalia Hussein highlighted the significance of this group within society and the necessity of empowering them and ensuring their inclusion in various university activities.

Prof. Rana El-Helaly expressed her pleasure in participating in the celebration, praising the University's role in removing barriers for students with disabilities and supporting them psychologically and academically without discrimination. She also reviewed the establishment of the Disability Support Center at Ain Shams University, its efforts since its founding in 2019, and the range of services it provides.

Prof. Nadia El-Husseiny, Professor of Educational and Psychological Sciences and former Dean of the Faculty, affirmed the pioneering role of the Faculty of Specific Education in preparing teachers for students with special needs for nearly thirty years. She expressed her joy in attending the celebration and called upon students to enhance the integration of their peers with disabilities.

In his speech, Prof. Mohamed Mostafa, Head of the Department of Educational and Psychological Sciences, expressed his hope that the event would achieve its objectives, emphasizing that the message of the day is based on complementarity, not competition, and calling for greater teamwork among the faculty’s departments.

Student Nevin Youssef Khairy from the Department of Special Education, who is visually impaired, performed the national anthem, followed by an awareness film about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and another film highlighting the Department’s efforts in supporting students with special needs. This was followed by an artistic performance by the faculty’s deaf students, who expressed their gratitude to the University President, the Dean, and the Director of the Disability Center for their continuous support.

Dr. Samia Serry emphasized that the role of the “Baseera” Center is to train and qualify students, faculty members, and the community to deal with challenges and achieve real and effective inclusion of individuals with visual impairments.

The celebration also featured a theatrical performance by artist Rania Reda (known as "Rania Who Knows No Impossible") and an inspiring speech by motivational speaker Esraa Ahmed (“the Sweet Soul”), who shared her personal journey of living with and overcoming disability with determination and positivity. A video showcasing the experience of media presenter and artist Safaa Taha was also screened, followed by a musical segment performed by the Special Education Choir.

The event concluded with honoring the participants, organizers, and everyone who contributed to supporting students with special needs.