Walking into the small house with an assortment of furniture accessories ready to be sold, and a vivid scent of pine used in manufacturing them, it is hard to believe that this home and workshop belongs to a visually impaired couple. Samir and Heba are a young married couple who decided to start their life together five years ago to support each other in their fight against what they called a society that kills the ambition of those who live with disabilities, such as the visually impaired. Aftern many failed attempts trying to convince others that they are equally capable of meeting the requirements of various jobs just like those who don’t suffer visual impairment, and after Heba got pregnant, they decided to start their own small business from home by creating woven bamboo baskets. “This industry is old and I learned it from my ancestors. However, as time passed, I improved some of the used materials while making the baskets to make them stronger and more durable,” says Samir. Samir taught his wife the craft as well to help him increase his income. “l love helping my husband make these baskets,” says Heba. “Life is…
Living With Disability in Egypt: Visually Impaired Couple Weave Dreams for a Better Tomorrow
January 12, 2016
