Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all

Yesterday was the annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, the theme for 2017 is Transformation towards sustainable and resilient society for all, which is a concept I very much believe in.

We celebrated and acknowledged the occasion with our colleagues and friends who are living with disabilities. I’m not sure how I feel about the word “disabled’ because they are some of the most abled people I know. Mariam Al Mula is a famous make up artist in the community, Nawal is a standup comedian “who can’t stand’ up as she likes to say, Hassan has a full time job, Ahmed is an active member of the community who has lived and worked independently in another country all by himself and Akrami has a successful career and a beautiful family.

People aren't and shouldn't be labeled as anything, least of all disabled. Who they are as a person is not impacted by a medical condition and it definitely doesn't contribute to their identity.

People with mental or physical conditions are differently abled because they possess a unique set of abilities and perspectives. Everybody has ability and everybody matters, it's all about acknowledging it.

I believe differently abled people see what we can't, hear what we can't and think what we can't. This makes their ability different - not inferior, not superior - just different. We need to recognize everyone has talent and we need to value and treats everyone equally.

At Qatar Rail We recognize the rail network can be a difficult environment for disabled people. With many disabled people living in Qatar, it is important that our society takes steps to consider any barriers which restrict access. We need to make it easier for disabled people to plan journeys and travel by rail. Qatar Rail will be at the forefront of efforts being made to make Qatar accessible for those with disabilities.

Qatar Rail will do what is necessary to make sure that considering the needs of those living with disabilities is deeply embedded in our company culture, only then will our railway be a place where everyone can travel equally, confidently and independently.

We launched a campaign that will work with a team of local youth who are living with disabilities in which we are creating dialogue to openly discuss things that Qatar Rail can implement to make using the Rail easier and appealing to use.