Organization
Helm Foundation(Helm)
An Egyptian non-profit founded in 2014 in Cairo, focused on employment, accessibility consulting, and community inclusion for Egypt's estimated 15 million people with disabilities. Helm works with individuals, businesses, and government entities to dismantle physical and attitudinal barriers.
About
Helm Foundation was established in 2014 in Cairo, Egypt by Ramez Maher and Amena El-Saie. The organization emerged from recognition that Egypt's approximately 15 million persons with disabilities face compounding barriers: inaccessible built environments, low employer awareness, and limited access to specialized services. The name "Helm" — meaning "dream" in Arabic — reflects the founders' vision of a fully inclusive Egyptian society.
What They Do
Helm operates three core programs: an accessibility consulting arm ("Entaleq Program") that audits and adapts public and private spaces; an employment program connecting job seekers with disabilities to partner employers; and an awareness program delivered in schools and workplaces. Helm has installed over 100 curb-cut ramps, advised more than 200 businesses on physical accessibility, and organized Egypt's first inclusive sports tournament in 2024. The organization also delivers disability inclusion training to government agencies, NGOs, and corporations.
Who They Serve
Helm serves adults with a wide range of disabilities — physical, sensory, and intellectual — primarily in Greater Cairo, with national reach through partnerships and e-learning platforms. The employment program specifically targets working-age adults with disabilities facing hiring discrimination. Through its consultancy work, Helm indirectly benefits all Egyptians with disabilities by making public spaces progressively more accessible.
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