Muscat – The Ministry of Social Development on Wednesday unveiled a series of initiatives to strengthen services for persons with disabilities and expand rehabilitation programmes across Oman.

Speaking at a media briefing, H E Dr Laila bint Ahmed al Najjar, Minister of Social Development, said the measures focus on training specialised national cadres, widening rehabilitation services and improving access to education and support.

Under the plan, 50 graduates in special education will be trained with a focus on autism spectrum disorder. The programme aims to equip them with the skills required to support individuals with autism and enhance specialised services.

In addition, 30 trainees will undergo professional rehabilitation programmes to prepare them for work in various disability-related fields.

The ministry also announced 92 scholarships for bachelor’s degrees at the University of Nizwa in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy.

According to the minister, 139 rehabilitation centres operate across the governorates, serving 9,933 beneficiaries. A further 5,321 beneficiaries receive support through a government service-purchase programme. Plans are under way to establish a specialised autism centre on a 21,000sqm site, with 60% of studies and design work completed. Another project, the Rehabilitation Complex in Sultan Haitham City, will cover 17,000sqm. Designs have been finalised and the facility is expected to serve around 360 beneficiaries.

In 2025, the ministry issued 8,499 ‘Person with Disability’ cards to facilitate access to services and benefits. It also strengthened the legislative framework governing disability services.

To promote accessibility, the South Batinah Friendly Persons with Disabilities initiative was launched in cooperation with the Governor’s Office. Twenty-nine government employees were trained as sign language interpreters. Efforts also continued under the Maeen initiative to enhance services in Dhahirah governorate.

The ministry issued the National Guide for Licensing, Classification and Quality Standards for institutions serving persons with disabilities, outlining licensing requirements and technical specifications. The final review of the Comprehensive National Guide for Engineering Standards and Specifications for inclusive built environments and transport has also been completed.

Licences were granted for 20 new rehabilitation centres in 2025, expanding access to specialised support.