Al-Jazirah

All segments of society must actively participate in safeguarding the services provided for people with special needs. Sadly, this is not happening.

The general department of traffic recently announced that there were 2,825 traffic violations involving cars parked in spaces earmarked for people with special needs. This is a big and painful number. It is disturbing to see this number of drivers who are either not aware of the rights of people with special needs or who feel that they can violate those rights. Although this violation may seem small, it is actually a big crime.

The driver who commits such a violation is not guilty of only one violation. He first parked his car in a place that was not designed for him. Second, he violated the rights of other people. Third, the people whose rights were violated are people who need our care and attention. Fourth, violators have spoiled the efforts of the authorities to care for people with special needs.

Before we allow ourselves to violate the rights of people with special needs by using their parking spaces, we should realize the great pain and suffering they go through by having to search for parking elsewhere. Their lives are being made more difficult instead of being made easier.

The crisis is actually one of a lack of awareness. Along with the services provided for people with special needs, efforts should be made to increase awareness of the needs and the rights of this segment of society. This is something that we should teach our children from a young age and it should be included in our school curriculums. Our schools should provide clear lessons that target the minds of our youth and enlighten them about the rights of people with special needs and how to provide them with help. We need to teach our youth how to assist those with special needs so that they can live a normal life.

Twitter: @SighaAlshammri