KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Minister of Social Affairs, Family, and Childhood Amthal Al-Huwailah reaffirmed the country’s dedication to supporting the rights of persons with disabilities. She emphasized that the achievements of the Public Authority for Disabled Affairs (PADA) in 2024 reflect Kuwait’s unwavering commitment to this cause. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Huwailah highlighted that the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated globally on December 3, serves as a crucial occasion to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and to bolster efforts aimed at ensuring their rights and full participation in society. She noted that Kuwait’s efforts in this field are evident through various initiatives that empower individuals with disabilities and foster their integration into all aspects of life.
Improving accessibility
Al-Huwailah also noted that PADA has made significant strides in improving the services available to people with disabilities, including opening new centers and departments. In 2024, the authority introduced a vocational rehabilitation department at the Doha Global Center for Special Needs, as well as a reception hall in West Abdullah Mubarak, aimed at providing a broader range of services to nearly 68,000 individuals. Additionally, PADA has continued its collaboration with other government entities, such as the Public Authority for Minors Affairs and the Public Authority for Housing Welfare, to streamline services for people with disabilities. The same year, PADA updated the “Kuwait Code” to ensure that individuals with disabilities can easily access public facilities and essential services.
As part of the celebrations, PADA launched the “I Am Talented 5” exhibition, which featured over 50 participants from five schools dedicated to people with disabilities. The exhibition showcased the remarkable talents of students with intellectual disabilities, autism, and physical disabilities, offering a platform for them to display their creativity through art, drawings, and handicrafts. Director of the Vocational Rehabilitation Department at the authority, Alanoud Al-Wazzan said exhibitions and events like these play a crucial role in raising community awareness about the abilities and potential of people with disabilities, showcasing that they can accomplish what was once thought impossible. As a result, these initiatives have fostered greater acceptance and understanding, helping the community embrace diversity and support the active, visible participation of individuals with disabilities in all aspects of life.
Integration into workforce
Acting Director General of PADA Wafa Al-Muhanna said the authority is working hard to implement Law No. (8) of 2010, which aims to empower people with disabilities and facilitate their integration into the workforce and society. Al-Wazzan noted the success of the “Partners for Employment” initiative, which, in its sixth cycle (2024-2025), has trained and rehabilitated 123 participants. This initiative plays a key role in empowering persons with disabilities and integrating them into the labor market. Al-Huwailah emphasized the importance of these initiatives in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities and enhancing Kuwait’s status as a leader in this field. She also expressed gratitude to the various governmental and community organizations that contributed to these accomplishments. — KUNA
