INDIVIDUALS with special needs were in the limelight this week as Egypt celebrated the differently-abled.To coincide with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, introduced by the UN in 1992, Egypt held its own event to raise awareness about the importance of fully integrating the differently-abled into all aspects of political, social, economic, and cultural life.

During the event, Basmala (pictured) expressed her love for flying. Upon her request, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi instructed the minister of defence to give her the opportunity to co-pilot a plane.

Biding for interests of the differently-abled, Al-Sisi instructed the government to establish a fund to support those with special needs.

The president also called for integrating the differently-abled into projects implemented by the Decent Life initiative.