On the 28th of November 2023, on the grounds the Faculty of Economics and Political science, the Centre for Political Research and Studies in cooperation with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities held a discussion panel in Sawiris Hall. The discussion panel had great importance as its title was “Integrating the disabled and involving them in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”.

The discussion panel consisted of several significant names in the faculty along with esteemed professional guests specializing in the integration of the disabled. The director of the panel was Dr. Hala Ahmed Al Rashidy, an assistant professor of Political Science and International Law and the director of the Centre for Political Research and Studies. In attendance and primary speakers, there was Dr. Eman Kareem, the General Secretary of the National Council for Persons with Disabilities, along with Dr. Ghada Helmy, the editor in chief of the Human Rights’ Studies Journal in the State Information Service. There was also Dr. Ibrahim Al Menshawy, Lecturer of Political Science and the director of the Student Council and Support Unit in the faculty. Lastly, there was Dr. Marwa Al Beltagy the Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research.

The discussion started with Dr. Marwa presenting the guest speakers in the discussion while noting the importance of the panel and then introducing the director, Dr. Hala to take the lead.

The discussion started with Dr. Eman, acknowledging the students in attendance and clarifying the intended terminology of “the disabled” as the official word for that group in the eyes of the law and it is not derogatory as it might be perceived. She went on to mention all the positive ways that disabled people are empowered in Egypt according to the 2014 constitution, the new initiatives and agreements Egypt has signed to integrate them not only in the society, but in work places and more. Dr. Eman mentioned the United Nations Disability and Development Act in 2019 and how important it was in defining the percentages of disabled people all over the world and how exactly they are involved in the SDGs She also acknowledged the challenges to the social and economic integration of the disabled in several regions, she stressed the point that generally, it might not always the “disability” itself that is holding them back, but rather the “disabling environment” in which they live, that happens due pollution, lack of education and healthcare services and other factors. She also underscored the fact that what distinguishes Egypt’s efforts is its “political will” that is determined to achieve the highest levels of integration of the disabled. The political will combined with an active civil society would make Egypt unstoppable. Moreover, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is an independent party in civil society that aims at maintaining the dignity of the disabled and tries to include them in strategies and plans regarding 14 out of the 17 SDGs. It works according to the laws and agreements that Egypt has signed off on. Dr. Eman presented very helpful ways to aid our disabled friends from university including helping with the “Daisy” application that turns the university curriculum from written words to audios to help blind students. This initiative is a collaboration between the NCPD and Cairo University, I personally asked the Dr. about how to volunteer for that and she said that if anyone wanted to help, the required information would be available at Dr. Hala’s office.

Moving to Dr. Dina, she presented a PowerPoint presentation including all the charters, conferences, constitutional articles and laws that acknowledge the distinct rights of the disabled. She started by saying the percentages of the disabled in Egypt specifically and dividing them according to gender and their working abilities. She stressed the fact that the 3rd of December is the “International Day of Persons with Disabilities” and how it’s crucial for the disabled to learn about their rights as the “true treasure of Egypt”. She also mentioned the most important constitutional articles talking about their health, economic, social, cultural and sports rights. Dr. Dina talked about the severe laws that punish bullying as it is a real detriment to the success of the disabled; the law states that bullies would be sentenced to at least two years in prison and a financial penalty to less than 50 thousand Egyptian pounds. As a motivating symbol for the disabled, Dr. Dina mentioned Rahma Khaled a very successful TV Anchor with down syndrome, who has a very successful career and how it is really possible for the disabled to achieve their dreams with a strong will and motivation. She also emphasized the fact that the President gives his full support to the cause and he sees the disabled as a priority in the policies he recommends and implements. She also pointed to the civil service law and how the disabled are allowed by the rule of law to hold leadership positions if they are qualified for the matter.

The floor was now open for Dr. Ibrahim to speak. He started by praising the idea of such an important panel and how important it is for the disabled students to feel supported by our faculty. He talked about the establishing of the Student Council and Support Unit in 2016 and then underscored the important ways the unit has helped and is currently helping the disabled with. He gave thanks to his colleagues in the unit and their efforts to make the students’ transitions smoothly. The unit has a database where it documents all the details concerning every single disabled student, regarding their disability, how they take their exams, if they need aid during the day or in the exams themselves and then they coordinate with the professors and teaching assistants regarding those matters. According to a resolution by the Education Affairs council and was ratified by the faculty council in October 2022 to facilitate the examination process f the disabled students. The faculty also cooperates with other establishments and institutions in regards to the affairs of the students like the Taha Hussein Hall in the Central Library and also the Cairo University Centre for Service and Support of People with Disabilities in terms of using the electronics and other amenities like tablets that the faculty actually provides for its disabled students. Dr. Ibrahim also talked about the coordination with the Information anf Decision Support Center (IDSC) regarding the “Nour” application that the IDSC is trying to create for providing curriculums in formats suitable for the disabled. That cooperation also opens the doors for student volunteers who would like to help their colleagues. The unit also provides amenities, like electric wheelchairs, modern hearing aids and magnifying devices but it all depends on the donations available. Besides the exemption from the tuition fees, the faculty also tries to provide the information of certain financially incapable students to some charities.

After that, the discussion panel was open to questions the students and attendees regarding what was said and the panel was very welcome to all suggestions and ideas that would help put the faculty’s best foot forward to improve the experience of disabled students, their integration and their involvement in the achievement of the SDGs.