2,000 people a month

TDT | Manama

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A phased opening of the Comprehensive Disability Complex is nearing; the new centre is expected to serve about 2,000 people a month in one place, Social Development Minister Osama Al Alawi said.

He said the complex will provide specialist care for people with autism of all ages, including a government rehabilitation centre, a leisure club, diagnostic services, physiotherapy, sports facilities and areas for beneficiaries to display their products.

He said 2,122 people with autism spectrum disorder are registered with the ministry, including 1,695 males and 427 females, adding that these figures align with regional and international rates.

All people with autism receive the doubled disability allowance of BD200 a month, he said, while some also receive social security payments and the cost-of-living allowance.

About 2,200 students with disabilities are enrolled at 55 rehabilitation centres, including six government centres, 15 non-profit centres and 34 private centres. He said these centres provide vocational and behavioural rehabilitation, physiotherapy, transport and accompaniment services.

Pressure

The ministry provides BD1.2 million a year to 12 non-profit centres, he said, helping ease pressure on families.

Al Alawi said care for people with disabilities requires coordinated work from diagnosis through rehabilitation, education, health, employment and inclusion in society. He said this also depends on cooperation between the legislative and executive branches, civil society groups, the private sector and the National Committee for the Care of People with Disabilities.

He said the ministry has a clear system for licensing and monitoring all rehabilitation centres under its supervision. Inspection visits are carried out regularly, and legal and administrative action is taken as soon as any breach is found. In some cases, preventive steps are taken before a breach occurs. He added that the ministry has seen better compliance by these centres with the rules and procedures in force.