Since childhood, a love for people with special needs was carved in Bedour Al Raqbani’s heart. Growing up with a sister with autism, Al Raqbani never missed a chance to volunteer in her sister’s school to help pupils with special needs.
After seeing her active role in raising awareness of special needs, the school’s administration connected her with the hearing-impairment class. Al Raqbani, who was in secondary school, was intrigued to know more.
“I felt at peace being surrounded by special-needs children,” she says. “Their company takes me to a new world.”
At university, most of her projects revolved around special needs. She wanted to pursue postgraduate education in art therapy for special needs, but marriage stood in the middle and she embarked on a new journey with her life partner.
Shortly after, she had a son and three years later, her second child, Noora, was born. Noora was diagnosed with profound hearing loss when she was 9 months old.
Al Raqbani looked for a day-care centre for her daughter in Dubai, but after failing to find an appropriate facility, she founded Kalimati in 2010. Kalimati, which means “my words” in Arabic, is a speech-and-communication centre that provides numerous services, such as speech, language and occupational therapies.
Al Raqbani has spared no effort attempting to build a community for children with special needs and raise awareness about early intervention.
The mother of three is also the holder of the 2013 Arab Woman Award for Education.
Today, Noora, now 8 years old, is doing remarkably well.
“She speaks Arabic and English and has no problem communicating with her families and the world,” says the proud mother.
My next travel destination
Japan. I have been to several places, and now I want to go to Japan. The nature is amazing in that part of the world.
My favourite quote
You reap what you sow – I have experienced it myself.
My inspiration
My dad. He built himself, and is a reputable man and very well-respected in society. He taught me that there are no limits – we draw boundaries in our lives.
My favourite place to relax
I love beaches. The sound of the waves and the nature instil positive vibes in me. I feel connected.
What are your goals for Noora?
Like any mother, I want her to be happy, bright and independent. I also want her to accept and embrace her deafness and for her to believe that the sky’s the limit.
How do you keep calm in a difficult situation?
I meditate. I also find peace in seeking forgiveness from Allah; it releases all stress and gives me a lovely feeling. Taking deep breaths also calms me.
What new services will you be offering at Kalimati?
Occupational therapy, learning support, sign-language workshops, training for parents, caregivers and teachers, and a support group for parents, children and their siblings, in addition to our community service events such as Hear My Voice: Empowering the Deaf conference. We also have an awareness campaign.
How would you describe yourself?
I am grounded and have become more understanding.
My current reading
You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay. I started reading it, and I like it.
aalhameli@thenational.ae
