|
The COEJ Disabilities Project - A New Era in Care Sunday 21st April 2006, saw the beginning of the first ever nationwide disabilities project, the launch of which took place at a consultation event held at the Hujjat Imambarah, Stanmore, London. The event, which was attended by 67 participants, a much higher turnout than originally expected, was filled with keen and enthusiastic individuals wanting to make a positive difference to our current system of facilitation. The ethos behind the COEJ disabilities project is simple; to bring the needs and rights of people with special needs or disabilities to the forefront of our social agenda.
The aim of this first meeting was to assess the requirements of those with a special need or disability within our community, to evaluate the existing facilities provided (or lack thereof) and to proactively engage in discussion as to how we can ensure that as a community, no person is deprived from benefiting from the services provided. Throughout the day, mini workshops took place, where participants (many of whom had a disability or a special need or had children, friends or relatives with an impairment) were able to express their views on the existing facilities available to them through their respective communities. More importantly, participants were given a platform to express their own thoughts and ideas by recognizing current challenges and discussing approaches that can be used to tackle them. This proactive exercise allowed those with a vested interest in this area, to voice their opinion on how they would like to see our community develop. 
Maisam Khaku (deaf) reciting Surah Al-Qadr in Arabic with the English translation recited by Bilal Khaku (deaf) in English and using British Sign LanguageFrom the various issues discussed, it was obvious that certain factors were prevalent across the board. One such issue was the lack of awareness and understanding of special needs/disability issues. While all participants acknowledged that efforts were, in some areas being made to facilitate the needs of those with a disability or impairment, it was expressed by many that prejudice and stigma was still rife. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness within the community has left many children, youth, adults, parents and elders isolated and excluded from our community and more needs to be done to address this. Other areas of concern included:- a) Poor access to Jamaat facilities resulting from non functional loop systems, lack of ramps for wheelchair users and narrow doors
b) Lack of support from the community
c) Limited access to Islamic information due to resources unavailable in accessible formats such as Braille, large print, audio etc and the lack of facilities for sign language users to receive information about events and activities
d) A lack of representation at executive level within community structures on a local, national and international level
Parents, caregivers, teachers, and individuals with a visual impairment taking part in the discussion groupsThe full findings of the day will be published shortly and presented at the COEJ Annual General Meeting in July 2006 for full recognition of the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities or special needs. The organizers are optimistic that the launch of this project and all subsequent activities and campaigns will be fully supported by all community members. Inshallah a strong awareness can be created regarding our moral and Islamic duty to support this much needed project. For further information about the COEJ disabilities project, please email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
