Initiative aims to make Gaza disabled friendly

Mohammed Abu Kamil, 26, who is disabled has launched a drive in the Gaza Strip to raise awareness and improve people’s views of those who have a disability [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]

Mohammad Abu Kameel founded an awareness campaign which aims to change the way society looks at those with disabilities in the Gaza Strip.

Mohammed, who is partially paralysed because he suffered from a lack of oxygen during his birth, has not allowed his disability stifle him and he has earned a Bachelor’s degree in business management and banking as well as a diploma in NGO management.

His initiative is based on raising awareness in schools to change the society’s views towards those with a physical disability or those with special needs; in particular the idea that those with a disability are a burden on society, stressing that these individuals are productive and have a role in bringing about change.

He told MEMO that there are over 42,000 people with disabilities in the Gaza Strip, according to semi-official statistics. These people have either been disabled from birth, disabled as a result of an accident or due to the Israeli occupation and the wars Israel has waged on the Gaza Strip.

Mohammad has given talks at over 50 schools over the past two years. Part of his talks cover how Palestinians can help those with disabilities or special needs and how to facilitate access for them to public places, such as hospitals, schools, parks and other facilities, by providing ramps and step free access. This, he explained, would allow them to live more independent lives.

Mohammed Abu Kamil, 26, who is disabled has launched a drive in the Gaza Strip to raise awareness and improve people’s views of those who have a disability [Mohammed Asad/Middle East Monitor]

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