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Persons with disabilities on wheelchairs donated by the Bank of Maldives (BML) --

The government has launched work on comprehensive amendments to the 2010 Disability Act, aiming to clarify institutional roles, boost financial self-reliance, and establish early childhood detection systems.

Work has officially begun to draft major amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, marking the first legislative overhaul of the law since it was enacted in 2010.

Speaking on Public Service Media’s (PSM) Raajje Miadhu program, Health and Welfare Ministry State Minister Ahmed Athif announced that the government is reshaping the legal framework to address evolving social challenges and changing circumstances since the original law was drafted. The drafting process will involve extensive consultations with persons with disabilities, technical experts, and non-governmental organizations.

Key Focus Areas of Proposed Reforms

• Institutional Accountability: Clearly defining the individual responsibilities and statutory obligations of state agencies, health bodies, and educational institutions.

• Economic Empowerment: Formulating targeted empowerment models to improve employment opportunities and financial self-sufficiency for persons with disabilities.

• Early Childhood Detection: Establishing a dedicated system for early identification of disabilities in young children to minimize long-term risks and arrange timely interventions.

• Stakeholder Consultation: Incorporating direct feedback from civil society groups, sector specialists, and affected individuals throughout the drafting phase.

Addressing Legislative Gaps

According to State Minister Athif, the existing 2010 law covers fundamental rights such as healthcare and education in a broad and general manner. The new legislative framework will replace ambiguous clauses with explicit operational guidelines for state authorities, ensuring streamlined delivery of specialized protection, financial assistance, and equal opportunities.