The Definitely Able Conference and Ilham Art Exhibition will open today under the patronage of HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani at the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha.
Created by Sasol and the British Council, in partnership with Qatar Museums, the events bring international and local experts and artists together to discuss ways of increasing inclusion for people of all abilities.
“The first day of the conference will start with the key discussion of legislation and how policy can help ensure opportunities and rights for all,” said Sasol president Marjo Louw.
He noted that Qatar has demonstrated leadership in the area of e-accessibility policy. The conversation during the first session will explore other avenues to move towards inclusion via international best practice.
Coinciding with the opening of the conference, members of the public are welcome to visit Ilham Art Exhibition from today until March 27. It will be open during the hours of the MIA.
British Council Qatar director Martin Hope said the public will find an engaging presentation of new works of art by local and UK artists at Ilham Art Exhibition, inspired by the collection of the MIA.
“Through their eyes, it is possible to get a new perspective on being disabled, but also to see what is achievable when given an opportunity and a platform to excel,” he said.
Scheduled for the first day are an official opening speech by HE the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Dr Abdullah Saleh Mubarak al-Khulaifi and a keynote speech by Lord Holmes of Richmond, Paralympic champion.
Four sessions will follow highlighting topics such as disability legislation, employability, inclusive learning technologies and attitudes and disability terminology.
The conference continues tomorrow with sessions on access to education, art as a vehicle to change perceptions, accessible museums and galleries and accessibility in Doha.
