Professor Mansoor Alaali, President of Ahlia University, emphasized the need for greater focus on research and academic attention to issues faced by individuals with determination. He highlighted the importance of evaluating the integration in universities and sharing successful practices to improve the educational landscape.
During a forum on the integration of students with determination into higher education institutions, held under the patronage of Mr. Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, Chairman of the House of Representatives, several recommendations were made. Key suggestions included increasing governmental and community support for institutions that assist individuals with determination, establishing supportive legislative frameworks, and creating specialized training programs tailored for these individuals, particularly in suitable fields such as administration, organization, reception, support roles, and public relations.
The forum also called for improving transportation and traffic systems in line with international standards for individuals with determination. It aimed to empower these individuals with tools like artificial intelligence, increase community initiatives, and develop clear strategies for training educators to effectively support students with disabilities, ensuring ongoing communication between academic institutions and organizations.
A presentation by Ms. Lulwa Ali Al-Rumaihi, Member of Parliament, highlighted the legislative and oversight efforts of the Parliament to protect the rights of individuals with determination. She underscored the Parliament’s role in enhancing these rights across various sectors, including health services, youth and sports, training, and employment.
Discussions revealed significant challenges faced by students with determination in universities, such as accessibility to buildings and facilities, social integration difficulties, limited access to assistive technologies, and financial constraints. Addressing these issues requires effective strategies for integration and comprehensive academic and financial support.
Ms. Shatha Al-Qasimi, HR Supervisor at the National Bank of Bahrain and a graduate of Ahlia University, shared the bank’s successful experience in integrating individuals with determination into its workforce in partnership with the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society. This initiative began with a specially prepared training room and followed a two-phase approach: obtaining necessary approvals and then moving to practical employment and on-the-job training. This effort led to notable success, with the number of employees with Down Syndrome at the bank increasing from three in 2018 to five in 2019.
Dr. Fatima Al-Dhaen, Assistant Professor at Ahlia University, discussed the role of artificial intelligence in helping students with determination pursue higher education. She emphasized how tools like “ChatGPT” can assist these individuals in reading by converting text to audio, simplifying complex language, and aiding in writing and grammar. Such technologies can also make difficult subjects more understandable by breaking them down into simpler terms or providing summaries.
