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Scores of experts attended a forum aimed at formulating ways to improve the lives of disabled children.
Former president of Bahrain Child Protection Centre Dr Fakhriya Dairi said disability is an important social issue in contemporary societies, due to its developmental, educational and economic effects on the disabled, their families and society in general.
She said: "The rights of children are the basic solid foundation of the principles of human rights. The international community acknowledged the need to protect children by adopting the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1989 that obliges all member countries in the United Nations to have an ethical framework in dealing with this segment.
"While discussing the rights of disabled children, we realise that matters related to persons with disabilities are recognised as part of human rights issues. International agreements are not enough to deal with the huge number of people with disabilities around the world."
Dr Dairi was speaking at a two-day forum held by the Friendship Society for the Blind.
Rights of Disabled Children in Society was held under the patronage of Royal Charity Organisation Chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Friendship Society for the Blind chairman Hussain Al Hulaibi talked about the role of teaching and training visually challenged preschoolers which began in the mid-80s, in a classroom at the Al Noor Institute. It was experimental and did not last long, leaving the society to take over.
The Friendship Preschool for Blind Children was inaugurated in 1991 by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad.
There were difficulties with attaining funds, equipment, transportation and specialised experience but the preschool ended up keeping students up to the age of 17 as there was nowhere else for them to go until a special class was dedicated for them at the Saudi Bahraini Institute for the Blind.
As well as the educational issues addressed, head of Bahrain FM Badriya Abdul Latif spoke of the important role of the media in shaping people's attitudes to disability.
"How many great people do we know of throughout history who served humanity despite their disabilities? And how many of those without disabilities are intellectually and effectually unable to interact with their societies, or offer anything to serve their nations?"
Adding that radio is a medium that can bypass social, geographical, cultural and political barriers and connect different people directly and quickly, she said: "Therefore it is easy for those interested and willing to utilise the radio to increase the awareness of those with disabilities."
