Doha: Sub-regional Virtual Conference entitled ‘Digital Solution in Support of Teaching and Learning for Students with Disabilities: Experiences and Initiatives’ opened yesterday with the participation of 23 speakers.
The two-day event is being organised by Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science (QNCECS) in coordination with Education Sector of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education and Unesco Office for the GCC and Yemen.
Addressing the opening ceremony of the conference, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Dr. Ibrahim bin Saleh Al Nuaimi said: “Today, in light of the challenges facing the world in recent times, foremost of which was the COVID-19 pandemic, it was necessary to look for alternatives to provide quality and comprehensive education for this category like other categories of students.”
He said that it could be possible through employing the capabilities of modern technology, and achieving digital integration that guarantees access to information and digital content in order to build an integrated society, and enhance the digital readiness of individuals to participate in all areas of sustainable development in the country.
Dr. Al Nuaimi also highlighted the role of Qatar and the great attention it has given in caring for students with disabilities, in compliance with the principles of entitlement and ensuring education for all.
Secretary-General of the QNCECS, Dr. Hamda Hassan Al Sulaiti, said: “Today, amid challenges and rapid changes facing our world, digital transformation has become one of the most basic and urgent necessities in the education, training and rehabilitation sector provided to students with disabilities, due to its ability to facilitate and simplify the access to information for students, and to develop their creative abilities to access learning resources.”
She said that Qatar has paid great attention to this category, as it is one of the first countries to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2008. “It has issued a number of legislation and took measures to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities and their full integration into society and their involvement in the development process,” said Dr. Hamda.
Director of Unesco Regional Office in Doha, Anna Paolini, also delivered a speech, in which she said: “In an increasingly digitised world, people need digital and literacy skills to work, live, learn and communicate productively.”
She said that meaningfully designed solutions can help people navigate digital spaces and take advantage of relevant applications.
“These solutions must be at the service of education systems to respond and meet the needs of all learners according to their abilities, and to foster inclusive learning environments for all,” said Paolini.
