Under the slogan “Together We Rise Towards a Better Future,” the Seven Gates Hotel in Damascus hosted an event marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, organized by the “Disability is a Launchpad” Association. The initiative was carried out in cooperation with the Ministries of Social Affairs and Labor and Tourism, and in strategic partnership with the Human Resources Management Foundation (HMRF), reflecting a model of coordination aimed at supporting this segment of society.
Strategic Partnerships for Inclusion
A dialogue session addressed the challenges facing persons with disabilities and discussed ways to strengthen inclusion and create a more equitable environment. The Minister of Finance, Muhammad Barnieh, stated that economic development must take into account the needs of all societal groups, including those with limited incomes and persons with disabilities.
He explained that cooperation between the state, civil society, and the labor sector can contribute to meaningful improvement, announcing the ministry’s intention to introduce tax incentives for institutions that employ persons with disabilities or allocate resources to services benefiting them.
Tourism Sector Opportunities and Empowerment Initiatives
Deputy Minister of Tourism Ghiath al-Farah outlined ongoing efforts to integrate persons with disabilities into the tourism sector. He noted that workforce needs are expanding and emphasized the ministry’s work to develop regulations, particularly within the tour guide profession, to open employment pathways for persons with disabilities after receiving appropriate training and equipment.
Mona Amqi, Chairperson of the association’s Board of Directors, underlined that disability can serve as a motivator for achievement and participation. She highlighted the role of institutions in providing training and empowerment programs and announced that the association plans to expand its health and rehabilitation services to governorates beyond Damascus.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of HRMF, Dr. Munir Abbas, discussed current efforts to offer free training courses, especially in digital transformation, to enhance employment prospects for persons with disabilities. He emphasized the need for service and residential buildings to be designed in a way that ensures accessibility and independence.
In addition, Dr. Abdulrazzaq al-Hussein, President of the Syrian Private University, stressed the importance of developing the capabilities of persons with disabilities and ensuring their full integration into educational and professional environments.
Recommendations for Continued Improvement
Earlier this year the first conference was held for persons with disabilities, yet their remains a need for ongoing communication between official institutions and persons with disabilities to identify challenges and seek practical solutions. They called for ensuring the availability of essential medications across all governorates and expanding the capacity of schools and universities to accommodate students with disabilities.
