Launching a Superhero in Damascus

The following guest post is written by Dr. Valerie Karr, one of the experts who helped lead the Youth Ability Summit that took place in August 2010 in Damascus, Syria.

Returning to Damascus this February for the launch of the Silver Scorpion comic book, I felt like I was coming home to close friends. Having been welcomed with open arms by the Syrian people in August during the Youth Ability Summit, I could not wait to return to the warm embrace of this vibrant culture. Not only was I overwhelmed by the 1,000 families and distinguished guests who came to witness the unveiling of the comic, I was also eager to reunite with our Summit participants and present them with their first look at the comic they helped create.

After visiting both AAMAL Organization for the Disabled and the Light and Flowers Organization for Cerebral Palsy in August, I was excited to see the Al Safina program in the Old City. Three of our young disability advocates came from the Center and continued to work there daily.

Walking in, I was greeted by the Center’s Director and overwhelmed by the beauty of the house. Having purchased the ancient open air home more than 15 years ago before the Old City and Souk were revived, the Al Safina Center had clearly made a solid investment. We toured the Center’s workshop where they specialize in making recycled paper. The Al Safina participants were proud to show us the beautiful paper they produce that is sold as stationary, art prints, and even for wedding invitations.

Since awareness about the potential of those with disabilities has been raised in the local media through our Youth Ability Summit last year, the Al Safina Center told us they had seen an increase in families seeking services and independence for their children. In fact, the Al Safina Center, which is financed by private donations, is looking to open an additional Center outside of Damascus where services for the disabled are limited.

I was touched by the inherent value the Center’s employees see in their participants. In most societies, it is difficult for every day citizens to find value in those with intellectual disabilities, but Al Safina prides itself on promoting warmth in a family-like setting while promoting the self-esteem and independence of their participants. I was honored to see the pride that our young advocates had in their work.

The next day, I was reunited with our Syrian Youth Ability Summit participants at AAMAL’s Center. Today was THE DAY. We were launching the Silver Scorpion to the Arabic public and I wanted to hear from our participants. The AAMAL Center was packed with participants and their families. I could see mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers all there to support these young advocates, and despite our language barriers we managed to convey our joy at seeing each other again through warm hugs. Many of the advocates were eager to know about their American peers and I was delighted to show them video greetings from our American participants. As I watched the videos I was struck by the similarities between our participants. These advocates were going to change the world together.

When the time came, we traveled together to the Opera House to meet Kosai Khouli, the famous Syrian actor who narrated the Silver Scorpion animated movie that was being premiered at the launch. It was wonderful to see the young advocates meet such a prominent star who recognized their dignity and who was willing to lend his voice to promoting equality for all members of society.

As we entered the Opera House theater I could see that it was filled to capacity with families, children and supporters. One of our participants, Walaa, from Light and Flowers proudly and courageously spoke of her accomplishments, and I beamed with pride in the wings as the house applauded her. What was most important to see was that Walaa could- and did- succeed when provided the opportunity to do so.

As the house lights dimmed and the screening of Silver Scorpion began the audience was completely enthralled. As people watched the screen, I watched their faces and saw the emotions our story of disability elicited. It’s an amazingly simple idea to convey–that those with disabilities should be allowed the same rights and opportunities of others. I believe that using this medium of storytelling directed by the next generation of disability advocates was, and is, the key to changing perceptions.

The first chapter of the Silver Scorpion showed us the transformation of disability from grief to empowerment in a cool superhero way. I am so excited for kids to pore over the pages of our comic and future editions and finally admire a character for their abilities. I am equally proud that America and Syria can show such a positive, creative result of their collaboration. Like a comic book superhero, it makes us imagine a better world that is within our grasp.