Umm Al-Fahm Celebrates Abilities Day with Inclusive Event

The Umm Al-Fahm Community Center, affiliated with the municipality, hosted a special event on Abilities Day under the slogan "A Lived Impact... Beauty Unites Us." The gathering brought together individuals with disabilities, their families, professionals from rehabilitation, therapy, and educational institutions, school representatives, volunteers, and partners. The event emphasized that community inclusion is an ongoing approach focused on providing opportunities, fostering participation, and highlighting the inherent capabilities of every individual.

The initiative was organized by the Community Center and the special needs and public resources team within the Umm Al-Fahm Municipality's Social Services Department, in collaboration with various rehabilitation centers, schools, and therapeutic facilities in the city. The aim was to create a unifying space where families, institutions, and the community could connect around the fundamental value that every person has a place, a role, a voice, and an impact deserving of recognition.

Notable attendees included Umm Al-Fahm Mayor Dr. Samir Subhi Mahamid, Municipal Council member and head of social services Khaled Ali Taha, and Director of Social Services Ms. Helena Ighbaria, alongside parents, representatives from centers like "Ma'as" and "Marshall," the 21+ Daily Therapy Center, and volunteer students.

The event showcased the Community Center's role as an open public space promoting cultural, social, artistic, and recreational participation for all city residents, including those with disabilities. The program featured performances by choirs from Al-Amal and Ain Ibrahim schools, welcome speeches, a theatrical performance, and a "Success Story" segment detailing a mother's journey with her blind son. The 21+ Daily Therapy Center choir also performed, allowing individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents.

A significant part of the day was the "Take My Place" interactive stations, presented by Beit Gilgalim, which simulated daily challenges faced by people with disabilities. These stations, including "Breathe Differently," "Delicate Touches," and "The Darkness," aimed to foster empathy, understanding, and awareness of the importance of accessibility, communication, and patience.

The event concluded by reinforcing the message that true impact extends beyond the day itself, fostering awareness, building relationships, opening opportunities, and shifting societal perspectives towards greater inclusion and respect. The Community Center continues its work to make Umm Al-Fahm a city that embraces everyone, emphasizing that empowering individuals with disabilities is a shared societal responsibility.