ShareKUWAIT: To highlight the importance of including persons with different abilities in the workforce and its transformative potential, Kuwait Times spoke to Consultant Ali Taresh and Lawyer Sultan Al-Shimali, who emphasized both the personal and societal benefits of giving them space in the professional sphere, besides highlighting Kuwait’s support.
Taresh emphasized that participation in the workforce fosters a sense of respect and appreciation among individuals, empowering them to pursue personal and professional aspirations and the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to society. “Employment plays a crucial role in improving the psychological well-being of individuals with different abilities. It mitigates feelings of social isolation that some may experience because having daily interactions within a supportive workplace environment enhances social communication skills, which leaves a positive impact on their lives,” he said.
He also explained that flexibility in work arrangements, such as accommodating diverse schedules and locations in order to meet the specific needs of employees with different abilities, is a necessity. “Motivating them, offering incentives, and recognizing the contributions of individuals with different abilities enhance their sense of accomplishment. They should be rewarded for their efforts,” Taresh said. In this regard, Al-Shimali elaborated that in Kuwait, the rights of differently abled employees are protected under the Disabled Act of 2010, which outlines specific provisions aimed at ensuring their inclusion and support in the workforce.
According to Al-Shimali, these include incentives that are provided for early retirement to support individuals who may require additional assistance or have specific needs related to their disability, reserved positions in the public sector, a legal framework and protection of the rights of disabled individuals against discrimination in employment, and ensuring they receive fair treatment and opportunities, besides other rights. He underscored that these provisions are crucial for upholding the rights of disabled individuals and integrating them more fully into the workforce.
