The idea of establishing a home to care for disabled children in Riyadh came in line with the state's growing interest in advancing disability issues, integrating this precious category of the nation's children into society, and alleviating the suffering of their families through scientific programs based on studying reality and analyzing it to identify the problems facing the disabled and develop appropriate solutions.
The idea of His Excellency Dr. Ghazi bin Abdul Rahman Al-Qasabi -may God have mercy on him- Minister of Industry and Electricity at the time, was embodied on the ground. It witnessed many challenges until it reached what it has achieved today in terms of accomplishments and expansion throughout the Kingdom.
The idea found immediate support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz - Governor of Riyadh Region at that time. It was presented in its initial concepts to King Khalid bin Abdulaziz -may God have mercy on him- who welcomed it, expressing his gracious approval and support.
Year 1398 AH corresponding to 1978 CE:
This proposal was made in 1398 AH corresponding to 1978 CE. After deliberations, the idea was crystallized and the main objectives sought from establishing a home for the care of the disabled were defined.
11 Safar 1402 AH:
Based on this reading of the state's interest and support for everything that serves citizens, His Excellency Dr. Ghazi Al-Qasabi sent a letter numbered 103 on 11 Safar 1402 AH to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz -may God have mercy on him, Crown Prince at that time- requesting support for the project so that the idea could see the light.
The approval of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdulaziz -may God have mercy on him, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince at that time- came to allocate forty million Riyals as assistance for the Disabled Children's Home project in Riyadh. This amount equaled the donations from the public for establishing the home, confirming the state's commitment to providing the best level of services to citizens in general and the disabled in particular.
26 Safar 1402 AH:
The Diwan of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers issued letter number (4382) on 26 Safar 1402 AH to His Excellency the Minister of Finance and National Economy at that time, Mr. Mohammed Aba Al-Khail, approving the allocation of the amount as state assistance for this charitable project.
The state's support for the project was manifested in many forms, including great support from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz - Governor of Riyadh Region and Chairman of the Charitable Society and the Islamic Charitable Society at that time. He approved -may God preserve him- that the "Home" project be managed from the headquarters of both societies until it became independent with its own headquarters.
The official correspondence for the "Disabled Children's Home" was issued on stationery belonging to the Riyadh Charitable Society, King Faisal Charitable Foundation, and the Islamic Charitable Society.
20 Sha'ban 1402 AH:
One of the important steps that gave the project its official character and independence was the issuance of approval from the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs on 20 Sha'ban 1402 AH for the establishment of the home as a social institution.
The decision of His Excellency the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs included registering the Disabled Children Association in Riyadh under number (49) for the care of those with severe mental disabilities in Riyadh city, as a social institution in accordance with the provisions of Chapter Two of the Social Associations and Institutions System.
1st Muharram 1403 AH:
The Board of Directors was formed on 1st Muharram 1403 AH under the chairmanship of His Excellency Dr. Ghazi bin Abdul Rahman Al-Qasabi -may God have mercy on him- with membership including Sheikh Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Alyan -may God have mercy on him- who was Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, His Excellency Dr. Abdul Rahman Abdulaziz Al-Swailem, Dr. Abdullah Al-Hamdan, His Excellency Dr. Fahd Al-Abd Al-Jabbar, Dr. Taj Al-Din Amin, Engineer Tariq Al-Shawaf, His Excellency Mr. Fahid Fahd Al-Sharif, the first Secretary-General of the Association, and Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Halwa.
Year 1409 AH:
In 1409 AH, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz considered the request of the Association's Board of Directors members to nominate His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the astronaut returning from his famous space journey, for membership in the Association's Board of Directors. His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz agreed to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' request.
2 Jumada Al-Akhirah 1409 AH corresponding to January 9, 1989 CE:
The third meeting of the Association's General Assembly was held, marking the beginning of a new phase in its journey. The Association members elected His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz as a member of the Board of Directors, then as its Chairman, in accordance with Decision No. 1/1409.
Since that date, the Association has been moving forward with a new strategy and modern programs to expand its activities with the aim of meeting the aspirations and ambitions of the state and community members in advanced services for children with disabilities.