President Dr Irfaan Ali on Wednesday announced a major policy shift requiring that every new government project dedicate at least 10 percent of its space to supporting persons living with disabilities.
This move, he said, is part of a broader effort to ensure persons living with disabilities benefit from equal treatment, dignity, and meaningful inclusion nationwide.
“…From today, every single project must have at least 10 percent of space dedicated specifically to supporting persons living with disability.
“Whether it’s a government compound with a car park, we must have 10 percent easily convertible in the evening, where persons living with disability can enjoy the fruits of our collective labour as a people and as a nation,” President Ali announced.
The Head of State made the announcement during a Christmas luncheon held in observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities, where he emphasized that persons with disabilities have “a right to be treated equally and with dignity,” and must be fully integrated into national development.
Dr Ali said the government will lead by example by embedding accessibility and disability-friendly considerations into all future developments, from public buildings to recreational spaces.
He also called on the private sector to match this commitment, saying he wants at least 5,000 jobs to be reserved for persons living with disabilities.
Dr Ali urged both public and private institutions to dedicate between 3.5 and 5 percent of their facilities, from community centres to lunchrooms, to make them accessible and inclusive.
The President said these actions will “completely create an environment that is conducive and dignified to every single person living with disability,” reaffirming his administration’s pledge to build a society where no one is left behind.
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