Princess Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, spent yesterday, sampling the latest technology available to people with disabilities in Qatar, during a visit to Mada, Qatar Assistive Technology Centre.
HE the Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Dr Hessa Sultan al-Jaber, who played the vital role in establishing Mada, welcomed Princess Sophie to the centre. During the visit, Dr al-Jaber said: “The ministry founded Mada as an initiative to promote digital inclusiveness in the country for people with disabilities through empowering assistive technologies.”
Bader al-Hamimi, acting CEO of Mada, said: “Whether accessing education or the workplace, one of the biggest barriers facing disabled people is a lack of AT specialist support. Mada offers assessments, advice and training in AT for everyone. By placing assistive technologies in classrooms, workplaces, and homes throughout Qatar, people with disabilities will be able to work, attend class, or connect with peers from around the world.”
The Countess’s visit is part of a four-day trip to Qatar with blindness prevention charity Orbis UK to mark the World Sight Day, falling tomorrow. She is particularly committed to promoting the work and need of organisations that focus on helping and improving opportunities for children and young people with sensory, learning and communications disabilities.
Princess Sophie with HE Dr Hessa Sultan al-Jaber and other members of Mada yesterday.
