Disability Act Maldives

Disabiliy Act –

The Constitution of the Maldives protects and promotes the rights of persons with disabilities and ensures equal treatment of all its citizens.
The important strengths of the law, includes the broad definition of disability.
Persons with disabilities face considerable challenges in the Maldives in achieving their most basic rights, including health, education and employment.
Major institutions and systems in the country have only recently started modifying its service provisions to cater to the disability community.
Everyone including those with mental or physical disability, is entitled to the rights and freedoms included in the Constitution without discrimination of any kind.
Maldives is committed to removing barriers faced by persons with disabilities and ensure equality and fundamental rights to all persons with disabilities on an equal basis with the others.

Definition of Disability –

The Disabilities Act of Maldives defines persons with disabilities as those: “having long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society, on an equal basis with others.”

Purpose of Disability Act –

The Maldives Constitution guarantees, every Maldivian citizen, an equal right to life. Persons with disabilities are not subjected to arbitrary deprivation of life in the Maldives.
This provision provides the constitutional basis to take affirmative steps to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities.
The Constitution provides special protection and special assistance to the disabled children and young people from the family, the community and the State.
This Act stipulates special assistance or protection to disadvantaged individuals or groups, or to groups requiring special social assistance.
This Act states that treatment and care of mentally or physically disabled children must be facilitated to the extent possible, and that efforts must be made to enable such children to participate in the activities of the community by providing the special care and assistance required by children.

Disability Allowance –

Disability allowance was introduced under the law (8/2010) “The disability act of Maldives” clause number 14 and clause number 33. The main purpose of the aid is to protect and provide disabled citizens the same rights and opportunities as any other citizen.

Services for persons with disability –

Financial assistant for therapeutic services.
Assistive devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, hearing aids, etc.
Financial assistance for physiological assessments.
Persons with disability identification card.

Autism Policy/bill/strategy –

Vice President Faisal Naseem has launched the handbook for guiding and educating children on the autism spectrum.
The handbook's major goal is to acquaint and raise awareness among educators, such as parents and teachers, on how best to guide and educate children on the autism spectrum.
The Autism Association's handbook was created based on observations and data collected from autistic children seeking the support of the association.
The book includes information as well as tips on therapeutic strategies and soothing processes.

Maldives Autism Association –

Maldives Autism Association provides services for children residing in Male.
Maldives Autism Association provides education and rehabilitation services for children and youth with disabilities, including those with autism.
Maldives Autism Association also holds an annual art exhibition displaying talent of children with autism.
Maldives Autism Association holds various sports events during the year, to ensure participation of children with disabilities in recreation and sports.

References:

Hameed, Shaffa, et al. "Process evaluation of the Disability Allowance programme in the Maldives." International Social Security Review 75.1 (2022): 79-105.

Disability Act Maldives