About us
What is Akkazeh?
Akkazeh, Arabic for “Crutch,” is a development-focused media project that seeks to bring disability issues into the public spotlight by harnessing the power of media and advocacy. The project aims to challenge prevailing narratives and stereotypes about people with disabilities (PwDs) while creating a safe, inclusive space for them to express themselves and showcase their abilities. Additionally, Akkazeh strives to provide developmental services that support PwDs in overcoming the barriers they face in their daily lives.
Our project specifically targets Arab and Middle Eastern audiences, with a particular focus on countries that have experienced conflict and face high levels of vulnerability, including both host and refugee communities. We aim to take a realistic and empathetic approach to addressing the challenges faced by people with disabilities, working to break down psychological barriers and promote the acceptance of disability as a natural part of human diversity.
We are trying to accomplish the following:
• Bringing the issues and concerns of people with disabilities into the public spotlight through the strategic use of Media for Development tools.
• Promoting inclusive media coverage that challenges stereotypes and reshapes societal perceptions towards people with disabilities.
• Empowering and protecting people with disabilities through targeted support, advocacy campaigns, and efforts to influence laws, policies, and practices.
Akkazeh’s Mission
‘Through advocacy, media, and development tools, we aim to empower people with disabilities (PwDs), amplify their voices and rights, and reshape public narratives to foster societal acceptance and inclusive representation.’
Akkazeh’s Vision
‘An inclusive society free from discrimination against people with disabilities, where they are fully included in all aspects of life.’
We believe that the future holds more promise than what currently appears in the Arab world. We envision a tolerant, accepting, and diverse society where PwDs are fully included. We also aspire to see a more expressive, empowered, and connected community of people with disabilities.
Akkazeh’s Team
We are a multidisciplinary team composed of dedicated members from diverse backgrounds, including individuals with disabilities. Based in different parts of the Middle East, we meet regularly online to coordinate the project’s direction and activities. We are part of a wider network of initiatives dedicated to disability rights and are supported by a growing community of 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. And it implements its projects in cooperation with local associations and NGOs in the target countries.
What is the unique edge of Akkazeh?
• Delivers content that mainstreams the specific needs of PwDs, grounded in accurate scientific knowledge and presented in a light, engaging, and accessible tone.
• Challenges stereotypical media portrayals of disability, which often rely on either exaggerated glorification or empathy-driven, disempowering narratives.
• Creates space for PwDs to share their own stories and life experiences -positive or negative- without edits, hidden agendas, or filters.
• Applies a psychology-informed awareness approach and incorporates principles of psychological well-being when addressing issues affecting disabled communities.
• Features a rich and diverse team representing a wide range of visions, backgrounds, ideologies, and academic disciplines.
• Uses comics, humor, and purposeful satire to address difficult -and often painful- issues faced by people with disabilities.
• Boldly embraces cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, and pursues ambitious ideas to bring disability-related issues to the forefront of public attention.
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:
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.
Ahmad Ashkar, Treasurer:
A Syrian media activist, born in Damascus in 1986 and currently residing in Portugal. He holds a master’s degree in Multimedia from the University of Porto and a bachelor’s degree in Management Sciences from the Higher Institute of Business Administration (HIBA).
Ahmad has worked as a media content producer and filmmaker for various local and international development organizations and media institutions, one of them being BBC Media Action, contributing to initiatives focused on advocacy and awareness-raising.