By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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As part of its ongoing public diplomacy initiative, Raabta, Serena Hotels organized a pivotal panel discussion titled “Building an Inclusive Society: Advancing Disability Rights and Inclusion.”
This significant event, curated by prominent journalist and television host Sidra Iqbal, convened leading experts and advocates in the field of disability rights to explore strategies and best practices aimed at fostering a more inclusive society.
The panel featured a diverse group of speakers, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the discussion. Sabeen Bilal, a Special Education Expert, provided valuable insights into educational strategies that promote the inclusion of children with disabilities in mainstream education. Azima Dhanjee, Founder of ConnectHear, emphasized the role of technology in advancing accessible communication for the deaf community. Fahmina Puri, an Inclusion Expert and Disability Advocate, shared her extensive experience in mainstreaming disability across various development projects. Sana Khurshid, a Lawyer and Disability Activist, drew on her own experiences as a quadriplegic wheelchair user to advocate for disability-inclusive policies. Haseeb Abbasi, a former Sargent Shriver Global Messenger for Special Olympics, inspired the audience with his journey of overcoming challenges and his ongoing advocacy for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities.
.Aziz Boolani, CEO of Serena Hotels, underscored the company’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “At Serena Hotels, we believe in fostering an environment where everyone is included and valued. We have deployed the ConnectHear app at our reception and restaurants to assist our guests with their communication needs. Serena Hotels is also an equal opportunity employer, and we are proud to have multiple associates who identify as persons with disabilities, some of whom are present here today. By bringing together experts and advocates, we hope to inspire action and collaboration that will lead to a more inclusive future for all.”
The Raabta initiative by Serena Hotels continues to play a critical role in supporting and facilitating meaningful dialogues that drive positive social change and promote equity across all sectors.
