The Community Service and Environmental Development Sector at the Faculty of Arts, Ain Shams University organized a seminar titled "Empowering Persons with Disabilities in the Labor Market," under the auspices of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of the University, Prof. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development, and Prof. Hanan Kamel, Dean of the Faculty, with the supervision of Prof. Hanan Salem, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development.

Prof. Hanan Salem stated that the seminar comes as part of the faculty's ongoing efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities at all levels and to integrate them into society, emphasizing the importance of investing in the talents and abilities of this group in the labor market and exploring ways to achieve this.

She added that the event serves as an excellent opportunity to raise awareness in the community about the importance of this issue and to enhance a culture of inclusion and equity in job opportunities.

The seminar featured Prof. Shadia Kenawy, a professor of sociology and former Egyptian ambassador to UNESCO, who provided a comprehensive perspective on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and how to overcome them. She highlighted that focusing on the integration of persons with disabilities into the labor market reflects the level of commitment of societies to support and assist them.

Prof. Dr. Shadia Kanawi also affirmed that the integration of persons with disabilities into the workforce has a positive impact on society, as these individuals can become productive members within their capabilities and contribute to community building.

At the end of the seminar, there was a call for more community initiatives and collaboration between academic institutions and government and private entities to create a conducive environment that enables persons with disabilities to effectively integrate into the labor market.

Certificates of appreciation and thanks were presented to promising models among the college’s students with disabilities, specifically to blind students who obtained PhDs in sociology and media studies.

Additionally, student Youssef Ibrahim from the sociology department, who won second place in the World Championship for Persons with Disabilities in weightlifting in March 2024, was honored.