The Government will prioritize the facilitation of job opportunities for individuals with special needs: President Yameen

President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has stated that the Government would prioritize the facilitation of job opportunities for those individuals with special needs who wish to seek employment. The President made this comment while speaking at the ceremony held to confer the Disability Award 2014 to individuals and organizations working to promote the rights of those with special needs.

In this regard, President Yameen noted that the Government would assist individuals with special needs to undertake employment in public companies and organizations. Underscoring that the lack of job opportunities is a key challenge facing those with special needs, the President also appealed to employers to establish mechanisms through which these individuals could pursue employment in the private sector.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Islamic Centre on Wednesday, President Yameen further noted that particular marks would be apportioned to applicants with special needs when allocating housing under Government housing schemes. Continuing in this context, the President highlighted that 15 flats have already been awarded to families of individuals with special needs, with the Government planning on conferring 15 more flats to such families within this year.

However, the President stressed that the responsibility to care for individuals with special needs lie not only with the Government, but with society as a whole. Commenting on the Bill on Protecting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the President urged all members of society to educate themselves on the rights owed to individuals with special needs. President Yameen further stated that while any number of legal protections could be put in place, most fundamental to individuals with special needs is the basic care and compassion provided by the society.

In his speech, the President also emphasized the importance of assisting those with special needs to realize and develop various skills and talents, and extended his assurance that the Government would work towards training professionals who could support these individuals.

The Disability Award 2014 was presented to individuals and organizations working to promote the rights of those with special needs, by President Yameen and First Lady Fathimath Ibrahim.