On the International White Cane Day, Qatar Museums hosted a panel discussion at the National Museum of Qatar. The session featured Faisal Al Kohaji, Chairman of the Qatar Cultural Center for the Blind; Noura Al Maslamani, a Qatari educator and advocate for the rights of the visually impaired; and Dr. Joumana Obeid, a program specialist at the National Museum of Qatar.

The discussion addressed the importance of raising societal awareness regarding the rights and capabilities of individuals with visual impairments. It emphasized enabling them to participate actively in all aspects of life and involving them in the design of programs and initiatives intended for them, thereby upholding their right to access knowledge and culture, while fostering a culture of inclusivity and equal opportunity.

Noura Al Maslamani highlighted the vital role of family support in empowering individuals with visual impairments. She shared how her own family supported her educational journey, notably, her mother learned Braille to assist her and facilitate communication at home, underscoring the importance of cultivating a supportive family environment and providing appropriate communication tools from an early stage.

Furthermore, she stressed that individuals with visual impairments must possess an inner conviction in their own ability to overcome challenges and adapt to change. She noted that self-acceptance and a readiness to embrace change are fundamental elements in the pursuit of independence and the achievement of personal goals. She highlighted the importance of involving individuals with visual impairments in initiatives and programs designed for them, emphasizing that truly benefiting from such programs requires listening to their experiences and including them in the planning, implementation, and development phases, drawing upon their direct knowledge of their own needs and the challenges they face.

She explained that Qatar University has provided various resources to help blind students adapt to the university environment, noting the importance of raising awareness about these tools and ensuring that relevant information reaches those who can benefit from them, thereby enhancing their ability to utilize the available services.

In a related context, Al Maslamani called for moving beyond stereotypes associated with people with visual impairments. She clarified that the notion that a blind person possesses exceptional abilities in every field does not reflect the reality of the human experience; like anyone else, blind individuals encounter both failures and successes. She stressed the importance of viewing them as individuals with diverse capabilities and natural human experiences.

For his part, Faisal Al Kohaji emphasized that the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments cannot be attributed solely to society; rather, they are linked to a complex set of factors that require the concerted efforts of individuals, institutions, and the visually impaired themselves. He explained that societal awareness regarding issues related to visual impairment has evolved, thanks to the efforts of various institutions and relevant entities in the country. Nevertheless, there remain certain segments of society that need to be reached through more effective awareness-raising initiatives, ensuring a broader understanding of the rights, needs, and capabilities of the blind.

He noted that individuals with visual impairments themselves are a fundamental component of the awareness-raising process; their direct, firsthand experiences help convey the reality of their lives and correct inaccurate perceptions about them. He emphasized that building a more accepting and informed society requires a genuine partnership between people with disabilities, community institutions, and the public at large.

Al Kohaji affirmed that the Qatar Cultural Center for the Blind operates within the broader framework of institutions dedicated to disability-related issues. The Center plays a key role in raising awareness about visual impairment through various programs and projects, thereby fostering a culture of acceptance and solidifying the status of individuals with disabilities as an integral part of society.

He further explained that the initiatives implemented by the Center aim to strengthen communication and the exchange of experiences among the blind and those with vision impairment. This includes organizing workshops and programs in which individuals with visual impairments participate directly; sharing their personal experiences and skills with others, and contributing to overcoming the challenges they face.

He highlighted the importance of developing skills that enable individuals with visual impairments to access knowledge and interact with their surroundings. He explained that while sight plays a significant role in acquiring information and forming mental representations, there are alternative means - such as touch and hearing, that allow those with visual impairments to access knowledge in different ways.

Al Kohaji noted that learning Braille, utilizing audiobooks, and employing assistive technologies contribute to fostering the independence of blind individuals and enhancing their skills. Acquiring these tools and the ability to use them effectively are fundamental to expanding opportunities for learning and participation.

For her part, Dr. Joumana Obeid emphasized that listening to the personal experiences of individuals with visual impairments reinforces the understanding that sight is not the only way to perceive life or acquire knowledge. Every person possesses unique skills and abilities, and some may simply require information to be presented more clearly or through different methods.

She explained that the National Museum of Qatar believes culture and heritage should be accessible to everyone, and that every visitor should feel a sense of belonging within the museum. She added that ongoing efforts are being made to enhance the experience for blind visitors, ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate, learn, and engage in creative pursuits. (QNA)