Muscat – H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, visited the Association for Children with Disabilities on Monday to review its services, rehabilitation programmes and efforts to support children with disabilities and promote their integration into society.

The visit reflects commitment of the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) to strengthening the social services system and enhancing the role of civil society organisations in the care and empowerment of persons with disabilities.

During the visit, H E Laila toured the association’s departments and facilities, where she was briefed on the therapeutic, educational and rehabilitation services provided to children. She also reviewed vocational and training initiatives aimed at developing skills and improving quality of life.

The minister inaugurated a new hall designed to enhance children’s motor and cognitive abilities, encourage innovation and stimulate learning through interactive educational tools tailored for children with disabilities.

Khadija bint Nasser al Saati, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the association, described it is a leading institution in the care and rehabilitation of children with disabilities, currently serving 361 children. It offers specialised programmes, including physical and occupational therapy, psychological and behavioural support, as well as educational and vocational initiatives aimed at empowering children and enabling them to become active members of society.

National disability strategy for 2026–2030

Oman is moving towards formulation of a national strategy for the disability sector for the 2026–2030 period, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the rights of persons with disabilities and quality of services provided to them.

The announcement was made during a meeting of the National Committee for the Care of Persons with Disabilities held on Sunday, chaired by H E Najjar, who also serves as chairperson of the committee.

The committee examined a proposal to develop the strategy which is expected to serve as a guiding framework for policies, programmes and services targeting persons with disabilities in the coming phase.

Members also discussed efforts to introduce ability-based assessment mechanisms for persons with disabilities, as well as mechanisms to ensure efficient and organised provision of assistive devices and support aids to eligible beneficiaries.

Discussions covered reconstitution of the National Committee for Persons with Disabilities in accordance with the Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities issued via Royal Decree No 92/2025, in line with the updated legislative framework governing the sector.

The meeting concluded with a presentation summarising the ninth annual meeting report of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) Expert Group on Disability, held in Cairo last year, highlighting key regional experiences and recommendations.