Qatar is a sovereign state located in Western Asia. It is a high-income economy and is known for its modern infrastructure and technological advancements. Despite the country’s modernization, people with disabilities in Qatar still face several challenges. In this article, we will explore the common attitudes towards disability in Qatar, the discrimination and legislation issues, the public transport and building access for disabled people, and the lobbying/advocacy groups available for people with disabilities in Qatar.
Common Attitudes to Disability in Qatar
The attitudes towards disability in Qatar vary among different communities. In general, there is still a lack of awareness and understanding towards disability. People with disabilities are often seen as a burden on their families, and there is a stigma surrounding disability. People with disabilities are often excluded from social events and activities, and they face several challenges in finding employment.
Despite these negative attitudes, there are also positive initiatives to support people with disabilities in Qatar. The country has several centers that provide rehabilitation services, education, and vocational training for people with disabilities. There are also sports programs and events designed specifically for people with disabilities.
Discrimination and Legislation Issues in Relation to Disability in Qatar
The Qatari government has made efforts to improve the situation of people with disabilities. In 2006, the country ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This treaty obligates the government to ensure the protection and promotion of the human rights of people with disabilities.
Despite these efforts, people with disabilities in Qatar still face discrimination. Discrimination occurs in several areas, including employment, education, and healthcare. It is often difficult for people with disabilities to find employment, as employers are hesitant to hire them due to their disabilities. Discrimination in education is also an issue, as many schools are not equipped to cater to the needs of children with disabilities.
Public Transport and Building Access for the Disabled in Qatar
The public transport system in Qatar is still in development, and while improvements are being made to make it more accessible to people with disabilities, there are still many challenges. For example, while buses in Qatar are wheelchair-accessible, the availability of ramps and lifts can vary depending on the bus and the driver. Additionally, many bus stops do not have shelters or seating, which can be difficult for people with mobility issues.
Taxis are also available in Qatar, but it can be difficult to find accessible vehicles. The government has introduced a new service called “Karwa Taxi” that has wheelchair accessible vehicles, but these are limited in number and availability.
As for building access, there are many challenges for people with disabilities in Qatar. While new buildings are required to be built with accessible features such as ramps, wider doorways, and accessible bathrooms, many older buildings do not have these features. Additionally, there can be a lack of enforcement of accessibility laws, meaning that some buildings may not be fully accessible even if they are required to be.
Are there any lobbying/advocacy groups for the disabled in Qatar and what are their contact details?
There are several disability advocacy groups in Qatar that work to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
- The Qatar Society for Rehabilitation of Special Needs is a non-profit organization that provides education, vocational training, and rehabilitation services to people with disabilities in Qatar. They can be reached at +974 4433 6005 or through their website at www.qsrsn.org.
- Disability Rights Center is a Qatari non-profit organization that focuses on promoting the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. They can be reached at +974 4020 6444 or through their website at www.drcqatar.org.
- Shafallah Center for Persons with Disabilities is a non-profit organization that provides a range of services to people with disabilities and their families, including education, rehabilitation, and vocational training. They can be reached at +974 4442 1111 or through their website at www.shafallah.org.qa.
These organizations work to raise awareness about disability issues in Qatar, advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, and provide services and support to people with disabilities and their families.