MUSCAT: On the occasion of the Arab Week for the Deaf, the Sultanate of Oman on Wednesday launched the First Visual Communication Centre for People with Hearing Disabilities. The centre provides digital services for this segment of society via an application codenamed 'Nafith'. The inaugural ceremony was held under the auspices of Dr Abdullah bin Hamoud al Harthy, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Social Development for Persons with Disabilities Affairs.
Sultan al Amri, CEO of 'Nafith' app, said that the project constitutes a pledge to empower people with hearing disabilities and remove barriers that obstruct their communication, thereby earning them independence and the ability to actively engage with society. “This step is the beginning of a greater strategy to redefine the concept of accessibility and make it more humane and comprehensive,” he added.
The project caters to the needs of approximately 17,000 people with hearing disabilities in the Sultanate of Oman.
The centre enables beneficiaries to communicate directly with government institutions and private sector establishments through sign language interpreters. This approach contributes to facilitating transactions and promoting the independence of the deaf.
During the ceremony, various presentations were made by a number of people with hearing disabilities who showcased their success stories with the 'Nafith' initiative. They explained that the initiative contributed to facilitating their communication with society and gave them access to a variety of digital services that enriched their life experiences.
Raya bint Abdullah al Numani, Director-General of Nafith, described the initiative as a qualitative leap that enhances independence and enables direct communication with service providers, highlighting additional features such as the sign language news portal and interpreter booking services.
Ahmed bin Mohammed al Mahrouqi, Director-General of Communication and Empowerment for Persons with Hearing Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Development, stated that the centre serves more than 17,000 individuals and offers a comprehensive platform delivering a wide range of services that facilitate daily life and strengthen community participation.
Asaad bin Hilal al Kharousi, Chief Operations Officer at Alizz Islamic Bank, expressed the bank’s pride in supporting the initiative, noting that it reinforces the right to access and expression for a significant segment of society and reaffirms continued support through initiatives aimed at empowerment and inclusion.
The event also witnessed the signing of agreements with seven government and private entities, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning, the National Unified Government Services Portal at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Riyada), the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority, Alizz Islamic Bank, the National Finance Company, and the National Centre for Statistics and Information.
The number of persons with hearing disabilities in Oman is estimated at around 17,000, underscoring the importance of innovative solutions that ensure accessibility and full participation in society. The launch of 'Nafith' marks a strategic step towards strengthening digital inclusion and expanding opportunities for this segment of the community.
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