Muscat – Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) is working on a national registry for people with disabilities to improve access to services and enhance planning, according to Mohammed Ahmed al Mahrouqi, Head of the Directorate General of Persons with Disabilities Department.

He said the registry will serve as a unified database to organise programmes across government entities and ensure families receive timely support.

Mahrouqi explained that the ministry has prioritised empowerment and inclusion through specialised rehabilitation services that help individuals gain skills needed for education, employment and independent living. He added that modern technologies play a growing role in delivering support.

MoSD is expanding the use of digital tools, artificial intelligence and assistive devices to help develop cognitive and motor skills of the disabled. These efforts are being carried out with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Health.

Describing the Ta’heel digital platform, launched in 2024, as a key initiative linking service providers, Mahrouqi said it provides simple registration procedures for beneficiaries and offers officials accurate data to improve planning.

MoSD established a development laboratory in 2023 to address challenges faced by persons with disabilities, one outcome of which has been a project to provide assistive technologies for students with visual and hearing impairments to support fair access to learning.

According to Mahrouqi, technology supports communication, mobility and independence, helping individuals take part in social and economic life.

He stressed the important role of families in encouraging children to use digital tools and following up on their progress. He also called on the community to support inclusion by improving access to technology and promoting participation in education and employment.