Riyadh: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development continues its efforts to empower persons with disabilities through a wide range of comprehensive services, programs, and initiatives aimed at enhancing their capabilities and ensuring their integration into society as active and contributing members.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the ministry seeks to expand opportunities which align with the diverse needs of persons with disabilities by offering initiatives such as non-governmental daycare centers. These centers, established as an alternative to institutional care, provide services during specific hours to support families that are unable to care for their children with severe disabilities during the day or due to work commitments. A total of 494 centers are currently operating across the Kingdom.
To help remove barriers, the ministry provides monthly financial assistance, medical devices, and special identification cards for various needs, including discounted public transportation, traffic facilitation, and autism spectrum disorder recognition.
Additionally, the ministry has automated many of its services and made them accessible via its official website, helping to streamline processes for beneficiaries. It is also developing a home social care program to deliver services directly to individuals with severe disabilities, with a focus on boosting their independence.
To promote workforce integration, the ministry launched the 'Mowaamah' program, which creates more inclusive work environments and incentivizes companies to hire persons with disabilities. By 2024, their participation rate in the labor market reached 13.4%. In the economic field, the ministry has supported over 30 individuals in starting their own businesses through the individual project grant support service, and it continues to provide training in partnership with the National Entrepreneurship Institute (Riyadah).
These ongoing efforts underscore the ministry's commitment to empowering persons with disabilities and advancing their inclusion across all aspects of life.