President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities and work to improve their access to opportunities.

The President made the commitment during the latest episode of ‘Rayyithunge Adu’, where Fathimath Fairuza Adam, a caregiver to a child with Down syndrome, raised concerns about barriers faced by children with disabilities in education, sports and other areas.

Fairuza said her daughter, Sarah, had been denied admission to five private schools that promoted inclusive education because of her Down syndrome. She later enrolled at Imaadhudheen School before moving to Jamaluddin School, where she faced difficulties with assessments and grading that did not account for her needs. Fairuza said Sarah had since moved to Thaajuddeen School and was making good progress.

She called for educational arrangements to be adapted to different disabilities and for schools to be better equipped to meet the needs of children with disabilities. She also highlighted challenges involving accommodation, access to Special Olympics and insurance coverage for athletes with disabilities.

President Dr Muizzu assured Fairuza that he would work to address the concerns and find appropriate solutions as quickly as possible. He stressed that improving access and opportunities for persons with disabilities would benefit not only individuals and their families, but society as a whole.