Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) on Sunday inaugurated a special programme for its staff members deployed in rehabilitation centres dedicated to individuals with disabilities.

Running over five days, the Professional Development Programme for the year 2024-25 aims to enhance the skills of rehabilitation workers, boost their performance, and keep them abreast of the latest advancements in the field.

By focusing on elevating the quality of rehabilitation services, the programme is set to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of support provided to individuals with disabilities, ultimately enhancing overall care quality.

The initiative includes extensive training for professionals specialising in disability rehabilitation, with a particular focus on individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

The key aspects of the training cover managing group rehabilitation, addressing speech disorders of neurological origin, and applying sensory integration theory to tackle fundamental sensory issues affecting performance.

Moreover, the programme features practical training in neurodevelopmental therapy aimed at improving functional skills for individuals with cerebral palsy, including restoration of motor function and enhancing body movement control.

Hala Musa al Wahaibi, Director of the Department of Persons with Disabilities at MoSD, said that the ministry’s strategy prioritises developing skilled professionals to better support individuals with disabilities. She added that the programme for 2024-25 is designed to significantly enhance the competencies of workers in this field.

Maryam Muhammad al Mahrouqi, National Officer for Physiotherapy Services at the Ministry of Health (MoH), described the programme as a vital step towards strengthening the capabilities of workers in both medical and social rehabilitation sectors.

She underscored the importance of collaboration between MoH and MoSD in advancing rehabilitation services.