By Ghadeer Ghloum

KUWAIT: Many Kuwaiti residents complain about a lack of entertainment places in Kuwait and their feeling of boredom, especially during summer. As for people with disabilities, the situation seems even worse. Despite the scarcity of entertainment places, those with special needs face even more limitations in activities and places for entertainment. As we progress towards a more inclusive society, it is important that every individual, regardless of their different physical and mental abilities, is given access to the same opportunities and experiences as those without any different abilities.

Yet, when it comes to entertainment, we often forget about the limited options available for this category of people. Differently-abled people face various obstacles in finding entertainment that is safe, accessible and enjoyable. The inability to participate in activities due to a lack of infrastructure and accommodation facilities is a significant barrier that limits these people from experiencing entertainment in the same way as others. Ritaj, a mother of a differently-abled son, shared with Kuwait Times her struggles over a lack of options available for her son to have fun.

“For most of the handicapped population, entertainment is often restricted to passive activities such as watching television, reading books or playing video games. These activities can provide some level of entertainment, but it remains limited. My son wishes to experience a wider, but safe scope of entertainment, such as water parks and other activities that allow him to have multiple options that would prevent him from being bored and lonely,” she said. Just like any other person who needs to try and experience new things, differently-abled people have the right to experience the same joy and unique perspectives that come from various forms of entertainment.

“In Kuwait, there are some places that have undertaken to facilitate entertainment for handicapped people, such as cinemas, shopping malls and other public sites that have been remodeled to provide access to people with disabilities. But it is still necessary to expand and upgrade such places, especially in the entertainment sector, to make entertainment more inclusive for handicapped individuals. Especially since are not many activities in Kuwait even for the normal people, let alone the handicapped community,” Ritaj said.

By making efforts to improve accessibility and availability of entertainment options for differently-abled people, they will be provided with an equal opportunity to experience the joy that comes from different forms of entertainment, as entertainment is an important aspect of life that provides an opportunity for individuals to relax and enjoy themselves after a long day at work or school. Therefore, lack of entertainment activities for people with disabilities may lead to social isolation and lack of participation in community life.

This can have a harmful impact on people’s mental health and contribute to feelings of dehumanization and exclusion from society. Moreover, Ritaj pointed out the necessity of raising further awareness about differently-abled people’s rights. “There is a need for greater awareness among business owners on the handicapped community and their rights. There should be more investment in infrastructure and facilities that cater to different disabilities,” she said. By promoting inclusivity, educating society and supporting investments that benefit people with different abilities, we can create a more accessible and equitable entertainment industry in Kuwait.