International integrated chemicals and energy company Sasol, under its Accessible Qatar initiative, recently delivered accessibility awareness training to the staff at the National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ).
The one-day workshop involved practical advice and information about how to assist disabled guests and visitors.
Sasol’s accessibility consultant Jennifer Stirling led the workshop to enable the NMoQ staff to understand the key accessibility awareness that should be addressed when around disabled people. The workshop provided insights about international best practices, different models of disability, including invisible disabilities such as autism and sensory processing disorder, in addition to discussing the barriers that prevent inclusion for people with disabilities, a press statement noted.
During the session, a special workshop on autism and related disorders was facilitated by Raana Smith and Alison Saraf, co-founders of Sensory Souk, a locall -based company. The workshop aimed to develop a deeper understanding of this form of disability.
The workshop also included interactive break-out sessions with real-life scenarios and challenges involving guests with different disabilities. The museum representatives had to come up with practical solutions that would assist such guests and allow them to have a "full and fun experience" at the NMoQ, the statement added.
Jack Saba, GM of Public Affairs at Sasol, said: “It is highly commendable that the National Museum of Qatar is desirous to provide this training to its staff in order to better serve the disabled community in Qatar. We thank them for giving us this opportunity and also thank Sensory Souk for being part of this workshop, and look forward to further co-operation to provide more assistance for the disabled community in Qatar.”
Earlier this year, Accessible Qatar conducted a physical accessibility audit at the NMoQ and worked together to make the museum more accessible to people with disabilities.
Sahar Saad, assistant curator at NMoQ, added: “We appreciate the help and support that Accessible Qatar and Sensory Souk have given to our staff and guides. This knowledge and insight will empower them with the skills needed to offer visitors of different abilities an engaging experience. We strive to be an accessible museum, offering assistive technology, multi-sensory features and mobility aids that ensure all visitors can interact with the history and culture of Qatar.”
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