At the age of 12, Nawaal Akram Butt was denied admission in various schools due to her physical ailment but with sheer determination and willpower she fought against all odds to became a woman who can be inspired by millions of differently abled people across the world.
Even though the genetic disorder, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), came to her life as a massive blow nothing could have prevented her from moving on to success.
It is this sheer confidence that has been pushing her front not only for her wellbeing and also for the wellbeing of the entire society.
The event she hosted recently, named ‘Disability Awareness Gala Dinner’, to raise awareness about people with disabilities and highlight the importance of their contribution in the society, underlines her commitment to the society.
The event took place under the title “my ability is stronger than my disability” at Ala Turkish Cuisine, The-Pearl Qatar.
Nawaal Akram, did not let DMD to conquer her even though her life largely confined to a wheel chair.
“It was heart-wrenching for my mother to know that I could not go to school because I could not climb stairs,” said Nawaal.
“Whatever I am today and whatever I am doing today, it is all because of my parents. They home-schooled me and taught me everything I needed,” she said gratefully.
Nawaal, however, has an entirely different approach towards the challenges she faces. She sees her life in an automatic wheelchair as an opportunity to see the world from another perspective.
Speakers from GCC along with people who are helping the disabled community in Qatar, shared their inspirational journey at the event.
Fatma Al Jassim from UAE, who is Sedra’s Ambassador of inclusion, Research and Policy Coordinator- Founder of the first social initiative called The Art of dealing with People with Disabilities, said at the event that : “I am trying to be a Change, a change in the community of those who have disability. Today I am very glad to be here because no one will judge me from my disability but from my achievements.”
“There are no limits except the ones you create for yourself,” she added.
Ikrami Ahmad, QSCCB’s activities coordinator and assistive technology specialist said at the event: “Blindness is a characteristic, not a handicap. There are several difficulties that we face but we take it as a challenge. I have the abilities to do what I am capable of, but without visuals. All we have to do is believe in ourselves.”
Kathleen Bates, Founder, Director and Head Instructor at Freestyle Aquatics told at the event that : “Freestyle Aquatics is a unique programme and the first of its kind in Qatar. The programme provides customised swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving lessons, and experiences to people that have a physical disability. The programme is open to anybody in Qatar, ages 4 and above who have a disability.”
“We have been able to continue on and work with about 400 disabled people here in Doha. We have received a onetime additional funding grant from the US Embassy in Qatar. Our programme is small but our impact is huge. Being in the water is liberating and nearly all disabilities can be accommodated,” she added.
Lateefa Khalid from Bahrain, Managing Director at Sahel specialised construction activities said that: “We have recently launched two initiatives for people with disabilities in Bahrain , special restrooms for them. In order to make them a part of the society we have made ramps at MacDonald’s to make it easy for the people with disabilities to go there and enjoy like normal people. I always believe that if there’s a will there’s a way.”
Ahmed Ali Al-Shahrani said during his speech at event that: “when people look at me on this wheelchair, they only see my misery. I would tell them that this is not causing dissatisfaction or sadness, it gives me a strength and makes me stronger. As, I know Allah has chosen me for a better reason,He has brought me closer to Him and nothing is better than that.” Mirza Aamer Baig, Event manager told The Peninsula that: “The event turned out to be a successful one. Nearly 50 people attended this event with a panel of beautiful and inspirational speakers, especially speakers who managed to arrive from other countries of GCC. I’d thank to Nawaal Akram for making this event possible and special thanks to SabiBeauty and A’la Turkish Cuisine for their support.”
