Civil servants with children with disabilities to be allowed to work from home

Civil servants who are parents or guardians of persons with disabilities will be allowed to work from home, says President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

He made the announcement on Thursday while delivering his annual address to the Parliament.

President Muizzu said the opportunity to work from home will open in March.

“Of parents who work in the civil service, parents of children with disabilities will have the opportunity to shift to work from home starting March 1 of this year,” he announced, without providing details.

President Muizzu also announced plans to improve facilities in schools to better accommodate students with disabilities, including building specialized classrooms and restrooms, and other educational facilities.

He also announced plans to print specialized text books, and engage in special efforts to prepare students with disabilities sit for their O-level exams.

In his address, President Muizzu also said that his administration will be submitting legislative amendments to the current parliamentary session to create a homeschooling pathway for children with disabilities.

He said that the pathway will be provided based on a psychological assessment.

According to the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA), the Maldives has over 15,000 individuals registered with the National Disability Registry as persons with disabilities.