On the occasion of the International Day of Disabled Persons, Hamad International Airport (HIA) conducted a bespoke airport tour for children with special needs from ‘Shafallah Center’, one of Qatar’s centers for social work. The occasion is an international observance promoted by the United Nations since the 3^rd of December, 1992, with the aim to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the well-being of persons with disabilities.

The children, aged between seven to twelve years, were taken through the departures hall where each of the check-in rows is equipped with spacious and lowered special handling desks to aid passengers with reduced mobility. They were then taken across the airport terminal in the airport passenger train which is designed to provide easy access to Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM). The children were treated with entertainment in the form of a magic show performed by the team at Qatar Duty Free (QDF).

Mr. Abdulaziz Al Mass, Vice President Commercial and Marketing said:

“At HIA, it is our priority to provide a seamless and comfortable journey to every passenger that passes through our terminal, regardless of their needs. On the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we partnered with the Shafallah Center to organise a tour around the airport and showcase our commitment to providing an inclusive and comfortable travel experience for everyone.”

HIA offers barrier free access and dedicated facilities to make travelling more comfortable for passengers who require special assistance. HIA’s network of elevators, escalators, ramps, walkways and passenger train offer simple access to Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM). Airport ground staff is trained on the basics of handling and assisting customers with special needs.

The airport terminal is equipped with various conveyance equipment to assist with either vertical or horizontal circulation. All conveyance equipment for the purpose of assisting passengers with reduced mobility have smooth and level thresholds with controls, where required, mounted within easy reach.

Special handling lounges are available throughout the terminal for the comfort of passengers who require special assistance. All special handling lounges offer comfortable seating and trained attendants.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is an annually observed day created by the United Nations to promote the well-being of persons with disabilities and increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of life.

Shafallah Center was established in 1999 under the guidance of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser to meet Qatari society’s need to create a comprehensive, leading, and non-profit center dedicated to children with special needs. The center provides specialized services in accordance with scientific basis and standards within the best practices to achieve maximum independence for individuals with disabilities, and to spread disability awareness through a highly efficient team of world-class programs.

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QNE

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