By Najma Al Zidjaly

I had the privilege of presenting an invited talk to Omanis with disabilities titled ‘How to master effective interpersonal and professional communication’ on June 26, 2024. This talk was part of the national initiative Shaghaf, formerly known as the Akram al Mawali Initiative. Created by one of the leading influencers with disability on social media platforms such as X, Instagram and LinkedIn, the initiative reflects Akram al Mawali’s lifelong dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

What I especially admire about Akram’s activism is his holistic approach to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities. He focuses on teaching them essential skills and equipping them with empowering hobbies such as reading. In fact, one of his most impactful initiatives is the provision of free books on various topics, particularly self-development, to people with disabilities across Oman. The initiative has been so successful that it has been a prominent feature at Muscat Book Fair for two consecutive years, with no signs of slowing down.

When Akram approached me to provide workshops for his designated group of learners, I immediately recognised the value of focusing on effective communication, a skill vital for everyone but particularly empowering for individuals with disabilities. I was also excited to offer a course that diverged from the usual requests I receive to teach about disability, such as ‘How to deal with people with disabilities’. These types of workshops to me seem like a well-trodden path.

Unsurprisingly, the course seats were quickly filled upon announcement, reflecting a strong desire among people with disabilities to learn and enhance their skills. However, what did surprise me was the diversity and enthusiasm of the attendees. The room was filled with a vibrant group of young and exceptionally beautiful Omani men and women with hearing disabilities, accompanied by their sign language teachers. Additionally, there were professional Omanis (men and women) with visual and physical disabilities.

As I began the session with a discussion on barriers to communication, the room buzzed with engagement. Many attendees said their primary barrier was a reluctance to approach people without disabilities due to a fear of rejection. They explained that people without disabilities often feel uncomfortable initiating interaction, and they in turn feel intimated to approach, highlighting the importance of educating everyone on how to interact with people with disabilities.

This barrier was especially palpable among the group of attendees with hearing disabilities, particularly a young man who had recently secured a new job and was eager to connect with his hearing colleagues. He faced significant challenges as no one at his workplace spoke sign language, leaving him feeling isolated. This underscored not only the importance of learning sign language but also the universal human longing for connection. Another standout attendee was a spirited young woman with a hearing disability who actively participated with numerous questions. In fact, most of the questions during the session came from this group, demonstrating their eagerness to learn and engage.

The workshop was so successful and rewarding for both Akram and me that we decided to organise a follow-up session and a third part dedicated exclusively to those with hearing disabilities. I learnt that this group, in particular, needs to be heard and is eager to learn how to engage with people without disabilities, aiming to be active members of their communities rather than feeling sidelined.

In conclusion, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Akram for his vision. I am also profoundly thankful to all the attendees who enriched the discussion and my life. I learnt as much as I taught, which is the hallmark of the best kinds of workshops.

Most importantly, by the end of the workshop, I had a profound realisation about the importance of courses on how to deal with people with disabilities. The discussions revealed a significant gap in understanding and interacting with people with disabilities, both from their perspective and that of the general population. These courses are not just about providing guidelines; they are crucial for fostering understanding, breaking down barriers, and promoting inclusivity in all areas of life. This could mean a fourth part might have to be created to fulfil the goal of inclusion in action.

(Najma is concerned about topics on self, national and cultural development. She is a researcher and associate professor of social media and Arab Omani identity in the Department of English Language and Literature, College of Arts & Social Sciences, 

at Sultan Qaboos University)