C. Historical developments

According to a field study on interaction and communication skills development for persons with hearing impairments, there have been three stages in the historical development of care for persons with disabilities in Oman.[1] The first phase (1970–1980) was characterized by the provision of primary care services, the improvement of living conditions, the establishment of rehabilitation centres and schools for persons with disabilities, and the raising of awareness around disability with a focus on prevention. The second phase (1980–1990) represented a milestone in service provision for persons with disabilities as it saw the establishment of further rehabilitation and education centres, increased focus on the provision of rehabilitative and prosthetic devices, a reduction in fees for public services and the abolishment of some of these fees, and the establishment of a national committee on policies for persons with disabilities. The third phase (1990–present) focused on the enactment of laws and the provision of new services, as well as the improvement of existing services. It also involved the establishment of civil society organizations and a focus on activities.

In addition to basic services, the Ministry of Social Development currently provides rehabilitation services that help persons with disabilities in their daily lives, including by providing them with medical devices, such as regular and electric wheelchairs, medical beds, prescription glasses, medical hearing aids, various respirators and driving devices, so that they can live their lives independently. These services are based on the regulations for assistance issued by Ministerial Decision No. 54/90.

Article 12 of the Care and Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons Act of 2008 grants persons with disabilities the right to obtain a card that gives them access to various facilities, rights and privileges, such as exemption from some transport and communications costs and the right to obtain parking permits.

Concerted national efforts are currently being made to generate employment opportunities in institutions for persons with disabilities in coordination with the relevant government departments and companies. Such opportunities depend on their qualifications, as well as their physical and mental abilities. Vocational training centres have also opened their doors to persons with disabilities. These measures include assigning a social worker to monitor vacancies and direct persons with disabilities to them, as well as carrying out studies that assess the extent to which private sector enterprises adhere to the employment ratio specified in Omani Labour Law and the Care and Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons Act of 2008. With regard to self-employment, the Ministry of Social Development grants interest-free loans to persons with disabilities who are able to manage their own businesses and projects, as well as several privileges for successful projects, to enable them to raise their income and increase their financial independence.

In conclusion, the provision and development of services is a continuous process that requires local measures to be integrated with global trends. It directs efforts towards achieving full independence – in terms of health, as well as psychologically and socially – for persons with disabilities, increasing societal awareness of disability, and promoting collective contributions to caring for persons with disabilities and meeting their needs, and continuously improving  public care, rehabilitation and education services.[2]