President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that true inclusion can only be achieved through equitable access and economic empowerment, underscoring the Government's dedication to upholding the dignity and rights of persons with disabilities.
In his message on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the President highlighted that these values are rooted in the Islamic faith, which teaches that every human being must be treated with dignity and equality. He noted that this year's theme, "Fostering disability-inclusive societies for advancing social progress," reflects the necessity of including persons with disabilities across all segments of society to build responsive communities.
President Dr Muizzu stated that the Government's policies are centred on early identification and empowerment. Highlighting practical progress, he noted that over 300 employment opportunities were created for persons with disabilities this year alone, reflecting a shift towards ensuring economic independence.
Acknowledging the challenges that remain, the President identified accessibility, including physical access and access to information, as a key area for improvement. He assured that the Government is working to minimise these barriers to build a more resilient society and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the families, NGOs, and volunteers who work to enrich the lives of persons with disabilities.
The President also took to his official X account to highlight the launch of a dedicated teacher-training programme for students with special learning needs and the Government's action plan to protect disability rights, reaffirming the commitment to building a society where every person's potential can be fully realised.
First Lady Sajidha Mohamed posted on her official X account celebrating the achievements and potential of persons with disabilities. She emphasised the importance of support and equal opportunities and encouraged efforts to remove barriers that affect daily life.
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed annually on 3 December to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society.