On October 14, 2021, Boeing-King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) launched “Prince Sultan bin Salman Individuals with Disabilities Education and Awareness Program,” under the patronage of HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman, Chairman of Board of Trustees of KSCDR. In the presence of Dr. Ola Abusukkar, Executive Director of KSCDR and her team, HRH Prince Sultan welcomed Sir Michael Arthur, President of Boeing International, Engineer Ahmed Jazzar, the President of Boeing Saudi Arabia, and their delegations.
The program aims to spread awareness and educate the community in all its segments by providing specialized content on each category of disability, causes of disability, how to deal with them, and link the gap between individuals with disabilities and society. The training program will focus on seven categories of disability: autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disabilities, speech disorders, deaf and hearing impaired, blindness and visual impairment, motor disorders, hyperactivity disorder and distraction.
“Prince Sultan bin Salman Individuals with Disabilities Education and Awareness Program,” is envisioning to establish partnerships with Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and other beneficiary institutions, which will allow the dissemination of information and education among different groups of society and cities. An additional goal is to educate Boeing employees about the characteristics of people with disabilities and how to work with them. The fourth objective of the program is the training of experts in the disability field. This inclusive and holistic approach will improve the way society interacts with people with disabilities, thereby reducing pressure on their families and changing knowledge and attitudes towards them.
In an exclusive interview with DQ Living magazine, HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman expressed the pride and privilege of partnering with Boeing: “The KSCDR works only with exceptional partners, who believe in what we believe. Boeing is an exceptional partner who believed in our ideas and became a partner in a very complex mission. I consider this as a privilege.”
HRH Prince Sultan underlined that there are many opportunities specifically for disabled people in this fast and technologically evolving world: “KSCDR wants to be at the forefront of these scientific and research breakthroughs. We can use technology to make the world a better place for people with disabilities and ultimately change their lives for better.”
Reflecting on the mission of KSCDR, HRH Prince Sultan made a visionary statement: “Years ago, when King Salman believed in my idea that through the center we could make a change, this was our first breakthrough. I am proud that the center was founded in the Diplomatic Quarter, which is very near and dear to my heart as I have come a long way with DQ. I witnessed the opening of the KSCDR, the Saudi Tourism Commission, and most recently, the Saudi Space Commission.”
Sir Michael Arthur, President of Boeing International, on the question about the importance of Boeing-KSCDR partnership, answered: “Boeing has been a part of Saudi society for over seven decades. We are privileged to work with KSCDR, particularly with HRH Prince Sultan and his team. One of Boeing’s goals is to work with underprivileged people, joining them to the mainstream society and workforce, which is consistent with the mission of KSCDR.”
In 2019, Boeing joined The Valuable 500 global campaign. When asked how this campaign can reshape the idea of disability among Saudis, Sir Michael Arthur answered: “Boeing leaders made their commitment to disability inclusion by joining The Valuable 500, which is a global campaign that strives to place disability at the top of business agendas. The aim of Valuable 500 is to put disability on the leadership agenda of at least 500 large, multinational enterprises. The campaign recognizes that when businesses take the lead and take action, society will follow.
Boeing believes that social responsibility is an integral part of our daily lives as Boeing is an active member of Saudi society. Since 2012, we have been active contributors to the local community with an investment totaling more than $13 million. Boeing aims to be of service to the community through the development and sustainment of the non-for-profit (NPO) sector through our systematic review and due diligence process in our selection of the NPOs we support. We believe that through our efforts, we will help integrate those affected by different disabilities within the Saudi community.”
Remarkably, “Prince Sultan bin Salman Individuals with Disabilities Education and Awareness Program,” is not the only project initiated by Boeing and KSCDR. Another project is the “E-Training Platform” offering qualitative training to raise knowledge and research in disability through digital content. This platform met the urgent need for disability awareness and education, specifically for teachers and family members in small districts and cities in Saudi Arabia. As of August 2021, over 7191 beneficiaries were trained, compared to annual data of 2020 with 5711 training courses, and 278 in 2019. The satisfaction of beneficiaries with training services provided through the “E-training Platform” was 93% in August 2021 compared to 92%, annual data of 2020.
In addition to these accomplishments, a comprehensive book for disability groups is underway, including a chapter dedicated to individuals with learning disabilities.
