Muscat – Persons with disabilities and their carers in Oman have welcomed the Royal Directive of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik to establish a new office at the undersecretary level within Ministry of Social Development. The entity will oversee policies and programmes for persons with disabilities, address challenges facing them, and enhance their integration into society, including education at all levels.
The directive reflects a long-standing Royal commitment to improve services for persons with disabilities and increase their participation in national development. It also signals a shift in approach, moving from viewing persons with disabilities as service recipients to recognising them as active partners in building the nation.
Hamoud bin Nasser al Shidhani, Chairman of Board of Directors of Association for People with Hearing Disabilities, said the directive reinforces the ability of persons with disabilities to contribute to Oman’s renaissance. He described it as a “living embodiment of a humanitarian vision” and said establishing a separate office for disabled individuals gives new space to express their presence and strengthen community participation.
Hamoud bin Nasser al Shidhani
Calling the new entity a strategic step to ensure inclusive education, training, vocational rehabilitation and a suitable work environment, Khadija bint Nasser al Saati, Chairwoman of Board of Directors of Association for Children with Disabilities, said inclusive education is “fundamental to empowerment” and will help develop national standards for integration.
Khadija bint Nasser al Saati
The entity will give disability issues institutional weight and consolidate resources, said Dr Alia bint Salem al Ghabshi, Chairperson of Oman Autism Society. According to her, it will create unified national standards for services, expand employment support, and develop curricula and training for staff dealing with autism spectrum disorder, as well as run awareness campaigns to promote inclusion.
Ali bin Abdullah al Omari, an visually impaired citizen, hopes the office will boost training and employment opportunities, monitor employment quotas and encourage institutions to accommodate more persons with disabilities, while working closely with relevant authorities to raise inclusion levels.
Akram bin Saif al Maawali, who has a motor disability, said the Royal Directive represents a milestone in disability policy. He said the new office will help develop legislation, expand access to the labour market and support entrepreneurship, moving “from care to empowerment and active participation”.
The entity’s role as a strategic bridge linking education with soc-ial and economic services was emphasised by Mohammed bin Khamis al Harbi, Assistant Direct- or of Al Amal School for the Deaf. He noted that real development starts with an educational environment that takes into account the needs of every individual.
Teachers of students with hearing disabilities also welcomed the directive. Special education teacher Abdulaziz bin Hamoud al Busaidi said it will strengthen students’ confidence and skills. Fellow teacher Mukhtar bin Ghulam al Balushi said it will open new training and employment opportunities, while Abdullah bin Mohammed al Quraini noted that it will improve educational services and enable students to showcase their potential.
Establishment of the office marks the first time disability issues will be addressed through an independent entity at the undersecretary level, giving it greater executive and administrative powers, and ensuring better coordination among ministries.
