Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) newly opened Qatar Rehabilitation
Institute (QRI) recently organized a training course for staff from
Hamad International Airport, teaching them how to best assist passengers
with disabilities.
The three-day course was attended by 26
participants from various sections of Hamad International Airport,
including Qatar Aviation Services and Al Maha Services.
“I am
delighted with the success of this specialized training course, the
first of its kind run in collaboration with Hamad International
Airport,” said Dr. Wafa Al Yazeedi, Chairperson of QRI.
“It is
extremely important that the specific needs of people with disabilities
are considered and met by large organizations and public facilities in
Qatar. Through this course, we aim to share the expertise of our
clinical teams at QRI with staff from Hamad International Airport so
they are able to offer people with disabilities the very best experience
possible when visiting the airport,” added Dr. Al Yazeedi.
The
training coupled theory with practical workshops that focused on
communication, providing appropriate assistance to people with various
kinds of disabilities (physical, sensory, and intellectual), and
handling associated equipment (e.g. wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, and
hearing aids).
Course trainers were medical and allied health
professionals from the QRI, including physicians, occupational
therapists, physiotherapists, and speech therapists. Individuals with
disabilities and their family members who have experienced traveling via
Hamad International Airport also participated.
During the
training, course participants spent time at HMC’s Bayt Aman, QRI’s
residential facility for expatriate workers who have completed medical
treatment and are waiting to return home. Mr. Hussam Halawi, Customer
Care Manager at Qatar Aviation Services explained: “Our team was very
happy to spend time between the QRI and Bayt Aman and gained both
theoretical and practical experience from the experts and patients. At
Bayt Aman we saw staff and patients interacting firsthand and we
witnessed the difference effective support can make. We are looking
forward to more sessions in the future and further enriching our staff’s
knowledge to make Hamad International Airport more accessible for all
passengers with disabilities.”
