We want to establish a disability resource center at the Campus, Dr. Shakeel Ahmed

Rehabilitation is a major component of modern medicine, Dr. Ilyas Syed

Today, Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, Chairman Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar paid a visit to Dr. Ilyas Syed, Chief Executive Paraplegic Center, Peshawar. They discussed matters of mutual interests of social work, rehabilitation, and physical disability. They realized that there is a gap between social work theory and what is practiced in the institutions which needs a bridging. They agreed to work-out on establishing a ‘disability resource center’ at the University of Peshawar and also spreading awareness on modern medicine, particularly rehabilitative medicines.

Further, it was realized that as per HEC policy and SDGs, all buildings in the educational institutions have to be accessible to persons with disability. For addressing the issue of accessibility in many of the academic and administrative buildings of the Campus, Paraplegic Center, the Department of Social Work, and Friends of Paraplegic will work together to make it inclusive.

The Chairman and the Chief Executive agreed to organize a National Disability Conference in order to generate more attention to disability and rehabilitation. Dr. Shakeel appreciated the efforts of Dr. Ilyas for establishing a new building unit in Paraplegic Center. “Building is a very minor part of our efforts. Majority of our efforts are invisible” Dr. Ilyas added. “We follow-up every patient to their house whether the patient is from Chitral, DIKhan or Bannu. We visit their home and make it accessible to all”, he added. It was agreed upon that in order to formalizing the cooperation between two organizations; a memorandum of understanding will soon be inked between the two institutions.

10.02.2021