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Nawal grew up in Saint- Louis Alsace , France . She attended college in Strasbourg , majoring in Social Science . She was always passionate about challenging conventional ways to make the environment more " accessible " for people with specific needs , so she started her career as a social worker in France , Belgium , and Cameroun . Nawal then realized that she needed to change the perception of disability and show the world that behind each disability there is an ability .
She decided to pursue a Master ' s degree in Paris and it was during that time , graduating as an accessibility expert from one of the few schools providing training in this field , I . N . S . H . E . A PARIS , ( the National Institute of training and research for the education accessibility of people with special needs and disability ), that she launched her own company , Massiraa .
Her company offers its services to companies and public organizations . These services include Accessibility audits ( following the ADA , Design for all , European , or UAE
standards - based on the request ), innovative projects and awareness / training sessions , inclusive Fashion Shows .
First Event
Her first successful event was a Massiraa Inclusive Fashion Show in Colombo , Sri Lanka during the Asian European Fashion Week . Organizing a fashion show in a country she barely knew , plus having to deal with significant accessibility issues for her models proved challenging . But it went off without a glitch . Models from all over the world : Africa , Greece , France , India , Belarussia , Finland participated . Designers from from the United States , Singapore , India , and France were also in attendance . The first lady of Sri Lanka and some ambassadors attended the event and were happy to be there to witness this fashion revolution .
Challenges
One of the main challenges with an event of this nature is that of accessibility , especially the bathroom . During her trip to Sri Lanka for her fashion show , Nawal realized that accessibility not only meant building compliance but also education . “ I can make a building fully universally accessible and respect the design for all , but if the staff is not knowledgeable about disabilities then this building is not accessible anymore ,” Nawal said .
Nothing was accessible in Sri Lanka but her models were aware of the limitations and were prepared . Nawal ’ s assistants were available to carry the models when necessary . The locals were also understanding .
Another challenge was the designers who never had the experience of working a fashion show and having to spend so much time with people with specifics needs ( mentally and physically challenged ). For them , it was a huge experience , but bring designers and people with disabilities together opened up new possibilities . Nawal enjoys conducting these events because regardless of the many challenges , it raises awareness of people with disabilities . She said , “ I don ’ t do fashion events for people with disabilities . Because I don ’ t discriminate , I create inclusive events . I would love to do a fashion show