Fatimah Muhammad Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — A number of disabled people have claimed that government decisions to improve their rights that were issued years ago have still not been implemented. They said they were dissatisfied that a body that could monitor the implementation of decisions had not been set up, adding that they still struggle to find suitable job environments, adequate transportation and social acceptance. Abdul Fatah Saleh, a disabled man, believed that the lack of penalties for any person or company who failed to implement the directives was the main reason why handicapped people are not benefiting yet. “A decision to make all buildings disabled-friendly was put in place a long time ago. “Unfortunately, due to lack of punishments, companies tend to ignore the implementation of this decision.” This is why Randa, a 28-year-old disabled woman, said she prefers to work only at disabled centers. Randa said: “The public are still not used to seeing disabled people in public places, socializing or working outdoors. “We are followed by gazes everywhere we go, and aside from that we always have difficulty with mobility as many places are not fit for us. “This is why I prefer to work in disabled centers because they are equipped and I do not find any person giving me that look of pity.” Abdullah, a 34-year-old disabled employee, said another challenge is the long working hours, which he claimed does not help when it comes to taking medication on time. “We also face a problem when we want to park our cars. “While some places allocate parking for us, we cannot benefit from parking spaces unless we come one hour before we start work because others tend to park in them.” Abdullah Al-Tawi, director of the social affairs department in Makkah province, said local authorities are studying the formation of a higher council for disabled people that will handle the concerns and worries of this section of society. Al-Tawi added that the Makkah province would be disabled-friendly thanks to the directives of the region's Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. The municipality, he said, will not be issuing any licenses to any new establishment unless they are suitable for disabled people. Al-Tawi added there is a new project in the region that aims to discover talented disabled children to help advance their skills. “This is a beloved group and we have been easing procedures for them. “All disabled people are receiving financial aid, which is determined based on their type of disability. “Some of them are already welcomed at the rehabilitation centers while others are receiving the aid while they are at their homes.” Other aid given to disabled people, said Al-Tawi, include allowing them to recruit from abroad housemaids, drivers and nurses without paying any fees. “Specially-modified vehicles can also enter the country and disabled people are not being asked to pay any duty. “In work, a company that employs one disabled person is counted as employing four Saudis.”
