Arwa Abdulhameed, a Kurdish student at Cologne’s University of Applied Sciences, has drawn from her own experiences as a wheelchair user to research how education systems in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region accommodate people with special needs.

Abdulhameed, who is paraplegic, compared accessibility and support structures in Germany and Iraq in her bachelor’s thesis for her social work degree. Her findings reveal stark disparities: while 10% of people in Germany and 11% in Iraq have special needs, the level of support varies drastically.

Her research found that two out of five students with special needs in Iraq cannot attend school, primarily due to insufficient resources. During a visit to the Kurdistan Region, where she was born, Abdulhameed observed firsthand the challenges—particularly in transportation.

“There, I had to rent a car and find a ramp to use when getting in and out,” she told Rudaw’s Diaspora program. “This problem exists in Iraq and Kurdistan. It's very important to provide buses or special cars for accessibility.”

While the Kurdistan Region has taken steps toward inclusion—such as offering support for special needs students in 25% of schools—Abdulhameed noted that many institutions struggle without government assistance.

“Rebaz School opened a special class for these students, saying, ‘We accept them and help them complete their education,’ but they also said the government doesn’t support them,” she explained.

In contrast, Germany’s structured support system ensures better accessibility. “The difference is clear here—government help is provided, making things easier,” she added.

Now a graduate, Abdulhameed is pursuing a career in social work while volunteering at hospitals, offering guidance to newly paralyzed individuals on reintegrating into daily life.

She emphasizes that people with special needs possess unique abilities: “They have alternative capabilities—each can contribute to society in different ways.”

While Iraq and Kurdistan are making progress, Abdulhameed’s research underscores the need for continued government support, increased funding, stronger policies, and a shift in societal attitudes to ensure true inclusivity.