Omanis laud Royal directives to empower persons with disabilities

MUSCAT: Citizens with disabilities have warmly welcomed the Royal Directives issued by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, which call for the establishment of a new sector under the Ministry of Social Development dedicated to supervising and advancing services for persons with disabilities.

The sector, positioned at the level of a ministry’s undersecretary, aims to address challenges faced by persons with disabilities and enhance their access to education, training, and social participation.

Citizens with disabilities said that this initiative reflects the HM’s deep care, commitment to empowerment, and focus on improving the quality of life for persons with disabilities.

Hamoud bin Nasser Al Shizani, Chairman of the Omani Association for the Hearing Impaired, described the establishment of the independent sector as a “kind gesture” that underscores the His Majesty’s humanitarian vision and prioritisation of the people.

He emphasised that the sector will create channels for partnership, and equal opportunities in the labour market, reinforcing social justice and societal integration.

Khadija bint Nasser Al Sa’ati, Chairperson of the Children with Disabilities Association, highlighted that His Majesty’s directives reflect a long-standing commitment to initiatives and policies supporting the rights of persons with disabilities.

She stressed the need for the sector to develop a flexible, comprehensive service system encompassing education, training, and occupational rehabilitation to further enhance service quality.

Dr. Alia bint Salim Al Ghabshi, Chairperson of the Oman Autism Association, described the move as a strategic shift that gives the disability portfolio clear institutional weight. She explained that concentrating resources and expertise within the new sector will ensure coordinated policies across government departments, enable rapid response to challenges, and transform initiatives into an integrated system. According to Dr. Al Ghabshi, the sector will set national standards for services, guarantee equal opportunities in education and employment, and strengthen community rehabilitation programmes. She further noted that this initiative aligns with human rights commitments and supports legislative coordination between the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Labour.

Several citizens with disabilities echoed these sentiments, noting that the new sector would empower them through training, expand employment opportunities, and bring about a transformative approach to disability services. They stressed that His Majesty’s directives signal a new era of social inclusion and practical support for this segment of society.

The establishment of this independent sector has been widely praised as a historic step towards ensuring justice, equality, and enhanced opportunities for all persons with disabilities in Oman.