MUSCAT: Governmental, private, and community-based rehabilitation centres across Oman welcomed 8,941 persons with disabilities at the start of the new rehabilitation year 2025-2026.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Social Development, these centres aim to empower beneficiaries and support their integration into society, with advanced rehabilitation services and programmes already in place.
Of the total, 3,586 participants enrolled in government centres, 4,756 in private centres, and 599 in community-based units.
Oman’s rehabilitation network includes 126 centres: 43 government centres (including Al Wafa Centres, the National Centre for Autism, Early Intervention Centre, Centre for Intellectual Disability and Down Syndrome, Center for Cerebral Palsy and Physical Disabilities, Vocational Rehabilitation Centre, and Mobile Units), 72 private centres, and 11 community centres.
The number of technical specialists in rehabilitation has reached 1,417, offering services in special education, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, psychological and behavioural rehabilitation, hydrotherapy, as well as workshops, sports, arts and family counselling.
Mohammed bin Ahmed al Mahrouqi, Director-General of the General-Directorate of Persons with Disabilities, affirmed the readiness of technical and administrative staff to serve applicants across age groups and disabilities.
Rehabilitation centres are implementing professional development programmes to enhance specialist competence and ensure high-quality, integrated rehabilitation services.
The ministry also provides electronic services via the Ta’heel platform, allowing families and beneficiaries to submit applications and track individual rehabilitation plans and reports.
Additionally, five new hydrotherapy units will open this year at Al Wafa Rehabilitation Centres, further supporting motor skill development for individuals with physical disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and Down syndrome.
Dr Nadia bint Ali al Ajmiyah, Director of the National Autism Centre, highlighted that the centre welcomed approximately 220 cases this year. The centre offers morning and evening shifts to provide flexible, high-quality programmes tailored to individual needs.
Services also include healthcare provisions, such as dental and general medical care, as well as international training programmes for professionals and families, alongside year-round support sessions.
Oman’s rehabilitation system continues to expand and modernise, reinforcing its commitment to enabling persons with disabilities to thrive and integrate fully into society.
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