People with disabilities are showing the world that challenges do not define their abilities. In Sharjah, the story of self-advocate Maryam Hassan Abdullah Shaheel Al Qahtani proves that determination, support, and inclusion can help anyone reach their dreams. Despite having an intellectual disability, Shaheel has achieved great success in sports, community service, and her professional life. She has also won several awards and represented the UAE national team in the Special Olympics, showing that disabilities do not limit talent or ambition.

Shaheel’s Inspiring Journey

Maryam Shaheel’s journey began with her determination to achieve her personal and professional goals. She works at Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) as a teaching assistant. In her role, she accompanies students to therapy sessions, trains them in basic life skills, and helps them improve academically and socially. Shaheel enjoys full employment rights, just like her colleagues without disabilities.

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Her passion does not end at work. Shaheel is an enthusiastic photographer and actively participates in local and international athletics competitions. Her story is not just about personal achievements—it reflects how inclusion, support, and empowerment can help people with disabilities excel in multiple areas of life.

Shaheel expressed her sincere gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Honorary President of SCHS, for his continuous support to people with disabilities. She also thanked Her Excellency Sheikha Jameela bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director General of SCHS, for her efforts to empower people with disabilities, improve their quality of life, and ensure their inclusion in society.

Empowerment and Achievements in Sharjah

Sharjah has become a model for supporting people with disabilities. The emirate provides a strong system of policies, legislation, and initiatives to create an inclusive environment. These efforts encourage creativity, social participation, and community engagement. Many individuals with disabilities in Sharjah have reached milestones that inspire others, showing that perseverance, family support, and community awareness are crucial for success.

Shaheel stands out as a role model of determination, ambition, and resilience. She has developed her skills, taken on leadership responsibilities, and used her abilities to serve the community. With her family’s support and the inclusive environment at SCHS, she has gained confidence and social integration. She actively interacts with people from all backgrounds, including other people with disabilities, reflecting her humanitarian values and commitment to inclusion.

Hosting the World Congress 2025 ‘We Are Inclusion’

Shaheel also highlighted SCHS’s role in gaining international recognition by hosting the World Congress 2025, titled ‘We Are Inclusion’, in partnership with Inclusion International. This is the first time the event will be held in the MENA region, and it aims to raise awareness about the rights and participation of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide.

The congress will give self-advocates the opportunity to speak about their rights, share their stories, and directly engage with policymakers. By placing self-advocates at the center of discussions, the event will empower them to have a real impact on decision-making processes and amplify their voices across institutions and organizations.

Family Support is Essential

While official policies and initiatives are crucial, family support remains a key factor in helping people with disabilities succeed. Families who treat their children equally, provide opportunities, and encourage independence create an environment where achievements become possible.

An inspiring example is Hamdan Mohammed Al Naqbi, a 24-year-old with intellectual disabilities. His family treated him equally to his siblings from a young age, encouraging open dialogue and equal opportunities. Hamdan’s sister, Nadira Al Naqbi, explains that their mother sought specialized care for him and enrolled him in the SCHS branch in Khorfakkan. This support helped him develop life skills and take on leadership roles.

Thanks to SCHS’s educational and rehabilitation programs, Hamdan became a supervisor, guiding and assisting his peers. He participates in summer activities, art programs, environmental projects, and computer training. These programs, combined with his family’s encouragement, allowed him to excel and gain recognition for his contributions.

The Self-Advocacy Unit

Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services officially adopted self-advocacy on January 1, 2009. Since then, SCHS has hosted seminars, forums, and meetings to strengthen the voice of people with disabilities. Self-advocacy has been incorporated into students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). SCHS has also established councils for mothers, fathers, and siblings, along with a Higher Student Council. These platforms allow self-advocates to communicate with staff, share challenges, and ensure their rights within and outside SCHS.

In 2022, SCHS launched the Self-Advocacy Unit to further strengthen advocacy efforts across all branches. The unit provides training, workshops, and awareness programs. It also manages the representation of self-advocates in local and international activities, helping them develop leadership, communication, and social skills. Through these initiatives, SCHS ensures that people with disabilities can participate actively, express their opinions, and gain recognition for their abilities.

The stories of Maryam Shaheel and Hamdan Al Naqbi show the incredible potential of people with disabilities when they are supported by inclusive policies, dedicated organizations, and loving families. Sharjah has created an environment where individuals can thrive, develop skills, and participate fully in society.

Events like the World Congress 2025 ‘We Are Inclusion’ further highlight the importance of inclusion and provide platforms for self-advocates to share their voices globally. The combination of empowerment, education, family support, and community awareness ensures that people with disabilities in Sharjah continue to achieve remarkable milestones, inspire others, and take on leading roles in society.