International Disability Day, December 3rd

In celebration of the International Disability Day, the British Council in Egypt is organising events to raise awareness about disability issues and the rights of people with disabilities.
‘The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, was proclaimed in 1992, by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.’ For more information visit http://www.un.org/disabilities/


Programme: A Celebration of Different Abilities Friday 30 November 2007 British Council 192 El Nil Street, Agouza, Cairo, Egypt2.00 p.m. - 7.00 p.m. Our building is wheelchair accessible.

The open day will include:

• Come Find Out: about the services for people with disabilities provided by different organisations in Egypt
• Open Forum Discussions: Featuring inspiring stories and discussing issues around disability and social inclusion and the topic of disability in film.
• Photography Exhibition: Talented photographers Hussein Shaaban, Karim Omran, Luay Al Shaikhly, Mariam El Mofty and Tamer Eissa present their views on the issue of disability. Photos will also be exhibited on 3 December 2007 at El Sawy Culturewheel
• Film Premieres: A number of specially selected films and public service announcements will be screened throughout the day.

Seminar entitled “Disability – Becoming Visible”Saturday 1 December 2007 Seminar by UK guest speaker Simon Minty, an expert in disability and diversity consultancy and training (download biography in English or Arabic from http://www.britishcouncil.org/egypt-arts-culture-events-idd.htm)

Employment and human rights, inaccessibility for people with disabilities in streets and public transport, how can we make it happen? Opening access with a focus on our streets and public transport; what are the barriers and how do we address them? What does it take to make inclusion a reality? Accepting and working with people with disabilities in our daily lives.

Topics:

• UK situation
• Media and Egypt
• News coverage of disability issues
• Employment of people with disabilities
• Sharing employment experiences
• Question and answer session

*By invitation only. If you’re interested to attend and would like to receive an invitation, contact Nairy Avedissian, Manager, Arts Team at nairy.avedissian@britishcouncil.org.eg

Come Listen to This: A theatre performance based on a compilation of stories Monday 3 December 2007 (International Disability Day) Wisdom Hall, El Sawy Culturewheel 26 July Street, Zamalek 8.00 p.m.

Tickets available at El Sawy Culturewheel

The Wisdom Hall is wheelchair accessible.

The result of a self-expressive workshop conducted by Nada Sabet with a group of performers. In collaboration with the Right to Live Association. Nada Sabet, a young Egyptian theatre director and playwright, attended a theatre workshop organised by the British Council in Egypt with the Right to Live Association and three members of the UK-based AMICI Dance Theatre Company. The workshop was for young Egyptian theatre practitioners, directors, actors and dancers (both able-bodied and disabled) to work together and generate ideas for performances which will then tour theatres and centres in Egypt. Nada has shown great interest and perseverance and won attendance at a week-long workshop in the UK with the AMICI Dance Theatre Company in June 2007, where she shadowed the director and learned new approaches to theatre and disability.

Sabet is also one of the young playwrights from the Near East and North Africa region who have been chosen by the Royal Court Theatre and the British Council to take part in a regional workshop on new writing for theatre.

For more information about the programme, go to http://www.britishcouncil.org/egypt-arts-culture-events-idd.htm.