About us
What is Akkazeh?
Akkazeh, the Arabic term for ‘Crutch’, is a development media project that seeks to support and empower persons with disabilities (PwDs) by challenging the narratives and stereotypes surrounding them, and providing a safe space for them to express themselves and their capacities to talk about successes and failures. It also aims to provide development and education services that help them overcome the obstacles in their lives.
Akkazeh Foundation has a platform that targets Arabic speaking audience, and pays special attention to countries with high vulnerability in the Medial East. It targets both host and refugee communities, with or without disabilities. It aims to make this platform available for people with interest of searching for realistic approach to issues of disability communities.
Akkazeh’s main goal is to change the narrative around disability and challenge stereotypes used to portray PwDs, and help open a dialogue to eventually accept disability as a form of human diversity.
We are trying to accomplish the following:
• A media coverage that challenges norms and stereotypes and contributes to the formation of a new societal perception towards PwDs.
• Empowerment and protection of persons with disabilities, through support and advocacy campaigns, and striving to change laws and actions.
• Removing the physical barriers that prevent PwDs from accessing educational and empowerment services.
Akkazeh’s Mission
‘Empowerment and protection of persons with disabilities, by support, advocacy, and striving to change stereotypes and actions.’
Akkazeh’s Vision
‘An inclusive society void of discrimination against persons with disabilities, and includes them in all of life’s dimensions.’
We believe that we are heading towards a brighter future than what it looks like now in the Arab would. We envision a tolerant, accepting and diverse society for PwDs. We also envision a more expressive, empowered and reaching PwDs community.
Akkazeh’s Team
We are a multidisciplinary team comprised of seven main members including members with disability. We work from different areas in the Middle East, and meet online periodically to discuss the directions of the project and its activities. We are part of a network that comprises of other initiatives that are concerned with disability rights, and we are supported by many volunteers and consultants across the region.
Akkazeh has been legally registered in the Netherlands Chamber of Commerce under the name ‘Stichting Crutch’, CCI number 89748832.
What is the unique edge of Akkazeh?
• Provides content mainstreams the specific needs of the disabled persons, and is based on accurate scientific knowledge in a frame of light and friendly write up;
• Challenges the stereotypical press coverage of issues of PwDs, which usually tends to present content in a context of either falsified glorification or empathy draining packaging;
• Opens a space for PwDs to share stories and life events of their own, either positive or negative, without any edits, hidden agendas or filters;
• Utilizes a psychology-based awareness approach and knowledge of well-being of psychological health when addressing issues of disabled communities;
• Enjoys a rich and diverse team with multiple visions, backgrounds and ideologies, side by side with diverse scientific and educational backgrounds; and
• Uses comics drawings, comedy and purposeful sarcasm to address painful issues of person with disability.
Our board of directors includes:
Noor Shalghen, Chairwoman:
A Syrian journalist born in Damascus in 1991 and currently residing in Paris. She holds a Master’s degree in Strategy & Digital Communication from IICP Paris and a Master’s degree in Culture & Communication from the Université de Paris 8.
Noor has a wealth of experience in content creation for marketing agencies and publishing houses in the Middle East. She possesses a keen eye for storytelling and a strong passion for amplifying diverse voices. Currently, she serves as the Marketing & Communications Coordinator at UFI – The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.
Alaa Ehsan, Secretary and Treasurer:
A Syrian journalist born in Damascus in 1989 and currently residing in Germany. He holds a Master’s degree in TV Journalism from Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Alaa has extensive experience working as a news editor in Syria. Since relocating to Germany, he has pursued his passion as a freelance journalist and filmmaker for numerous media outlets in and outside of Germany. He has gained valuable experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds through his contributions to several media workshops and the production of educational films for multiple institutions in Germany.
