MoSD Visits “Bihimmatkom” Association and Discusses Strengthening Support for Youth with Disabilities and Expanding Assistive Services
Ramallah – Minister of Social Development and Minister of State for Relief Affairs, Dr. Samah Hamad, visited today the headquarters of Bihimmatkom Association for Youth with Disabilities in Ramallah to review the Association’s programmes and services and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of empowerment, psychosocial support, and advocacy, as well as to identify the main needs and challenges facing youth with disabilities.
Dr. Hamad emphasized the importance of field visits to organizations working in the disability sector, as they provide an opportunity to listen directly to persons with disabilities and those working with them and to better understand their actual needs on the ground, helping to develop interventions and services that are more responsive to reality.
The Minister was accompanied by Akram Al-Hafi, Assistant Undersecretary for Family Care and Protection; Dr. Khalil Tannous, Director of the Social Development Directorate in Ramallah and Al-Bireh; Warda Zaatreh, Social Counsellor at the Ramallah and Al-Bireh Directorate; Fadwa Maharmeh from the Ministry’s Persons with Disabilities portfolio; Fathiya Khusaib from the Ministry’s Associations portfolio; and Basel Hassan from the Childhood Center. The delegation was received by Mohammad Riyad Abu Khalil, Chairman of the Association’s Board of Directors, along with several members of the Board and the Association’s executive team.
Established in 2018, the Association works in the areas of economic empowerment for youth with disabilities, psychosocial support, community awareness on disability issues and the rights of persons with disabilities, as well as support and advocacy activities aimed at strengthening young people’s participation and inclusion in society.
During the meeting, representatives of the Association presented its work and programmes, including group support and counselling sessions that bring together persons facing similar challenges in an environment that safeguards privacy. These sessions allow participants to exchange experiences and benefit from one another’s knowledge, while the counsellor provides guidance to help them address challenges and identify appropriate solutions.
The meeting also addressed the needs of persons with disabilities on the ground, particularly the shortage of assistive devices and equipment, including wheelchairs and other devices, some of which require specifications tailored to individual needs. Participants also discussed the difficulties some families face in obtaining such equipment, particularly in refugee camps, villages, and the most vulnerable areas.
Dr. Hamad affirmed that the Ministry, in coordination with partners and supporting organizations, will explore opportunities to provide additional assistive devices and equipment based on needs, priorities, and available resources, contributing to greater independence for persons with disabilities and facilitating their mobility, access to services, and participation in daily life.
She stressed that empowering persons with disabilities is not limited to providing assistance or services, but also requires removing barriers that restrict their access to education, employment, services, and community participation, while enabling them to participate and make decisions on an equal basis with others.
Dr. Hamad also highlighted the importance of youth-led initiatives led by persons with disabilities themselves, noting that Palestinian youth need greater space for participation and influence. Youth with disabilities face additional challenges, making it particularly important to provide platforms that reflect their needs and strengthen their presence and initiatives.
For their part, representatives of the Association affirmed that its work focuses on highlighting the abilities and talents of youth with disabilities and strengthening their opportunities in education, employment, project management, and community participation, alongside advocating for their rights and promoting inclusion free from stereotypes.
The meeting discussed opportunities for cooperation in economic empowerment, psychosocial support, awareness-raising, and advocacy programmes, as well as the possibility of involving the Association in activities and initiatives related to disability issues. The two sides also discussed needs and challenges that the Ministry could follow up on within its mandate and available resources.
At the conclusion of the visit, the Ministry stressed the importance of maintaining communication and coordination with Bihimmatkom Association, unions, and organizations working in the disability sector, and of developing practical avenues for cooperation that enhance youth with disabilities’ access to services, assistive devices, and opportunities while supporting their independence and participation in society.