Paralyzed Saudi gives talented disabled people opportunity to shine

A 26-year-old Saudi man who is paralyzed and can only use his eyes and mouth has launched an initiative to help disabled people with special talents launch their innovative projects.

Ammar Bogis’ scheme will select ten talented disabled people from across the Kingdom and give them full support to develop their projects.

He said: “Ultimately everyone has abilities and powers to achieve their dreams, but we need support to do so.
“Through this contest I hope that I can give those disabled people hope and positive encouragement to achieve their goals.”

The initiative, called the “Ammar Initiative to Support the Creators of Those with Special Abilities”, is inspired by how Bogis overcame the limitations of his disability and his work to tackle social stigmas toward the disabled.

The initiative has seen an overwhelming response from applicants with various disabilities from Jeddah, Riyadh and Al-Khobar.

Bogis’ philosophy is based on the idea of never giving up. He said: “A person must keep trying and trying until he succeeds.

“Whatever a person’s physical ability or state of mind, he should make use of every minute in his life.”

Bogis graduated from King Abdulaziz University with a degree in journalism. He has memorized the Holy Qur’an and worked for sports and social sections at several Saudi newspapers.

Currently, he is an assistant professor at the American University in Dubai.

This article was first published in the Saudi Gazette