Creativity is not confined to a specific category, but extends to people of will with special needs who soared in the sky of creativity and became role models. And that creativity may come out of the womb of disability, “Okaz” evokes some of those challenges that girls and women with special needs were able to overcome, and make disability a catalyst for empowerment.
Samah Al-Thubaiti (hearing disability, university student – Arabic language) says: “The disability did not prevent me from learning the Japanese language, which many see as difficult. In fact, it is a simple language. I personally learned through applications and by following famous Japanese websites and channels, and I established a channel for anime news. I faced challenges, but I overcame them with ambition. I hope to continue studying the Japanese language, including sign language; Because I admire Japanese culture and they are an organized people.” Samah noted that the first thing she wrote in Japanese was her name.
For her part, plastic artist Amjad Al-Mutairi (blind) explained that she was born with partial blindness, and this was not discovered until after the age of 12. But she started drawing at the age of four and found support and encouragement from her family, especially my father and mother and plastic artists, in addition to her uncle Mansour Al-Mutairi, and her aunt Maha Al-Kafi.
She added: «My talent developed until I became a plastic artist, and I participated in many exhibitions inside and outside the Kingdom, and I received honors from many parties and personalities, most notably Prince Khaled Al-Faisal and Princess Al-Jawhara Bint Faisal Al Saud, who are two of my supporters, as well as Professor Saleha Al-Juaid, who was alone. The special needs of Taif University. Al-Mutairi indicated that she has accomplished many works, the most prominent of which is a painting of His Highness Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.
She added: «I faced many challenges, starting with gradual vision loss, and I am still going through its stages, which is the biggest challenge, thank God in any case, and the majority of society does not accept people with disabilities, and yet I did not give up, but continued my journey to achieve my goal, as I am a student of a BA in English. I aspire to be a plastic arts trainer, and the challenges in my daily life are many, and it is a natural thing, as I face difficulties in studying and drawing, and yet I am still moving towards my goal, and God willing, soon I will hold a personal exhibition, and I am currently an artist in the Ishraqat and Jivest group.
Aziza Al-Sufyani (Umm Abdulaziz), who represents a model for a patient and struggling woman, said: “I was exposed to an accident that caused my movement disability and the loss of my husband and children. At Taif University, I faced many challenges that I overcame with patience, and I struggled to develop myself despite the pain. I joined the field of advocacy and gave awareness lectures to people with special needs on how to overcome obstacles and engage in society, and not give in to despair and frustration, because life does not stop, and I got several courses, and participated in On many occasions, I also write poetry and short stories, and one of my most prominent achievements is “A Date with Destiny”, which is a realistic story. I got sixth place in the Kingdom from the Princess Al Anoud Charitable Foundation, in addition to being honored by several quarters with shields and certificates.
Princess Al-Mawlid (Taif) @amerhalmwlad