Skip to main content

New legislation to bolster services for Egypt's disabled

The Egyptian parliament is discussing a groundbreaking bill to guarantee the rights of Egypt's disabled population, addressing some but not all of the obstacles that have impeded the constitutional provisions in this matter so far.
Mena Allah Hussien, a visually impaired girl, reads a Braille description of an installation depicting a pharaonic statue at the Children's Museum as part of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo October 16, 2014. The Egyptian Supreme Council for Antiquities opened its doors to the museum, equipped for the visually impaired, and arranged activities for the children to create an awareness of their heritage. The event was held to mark White Cane Safety Day which fell on October 15. REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh (EGYPT -
Read in 

The Egyptian parliament is currently discussing a first-of-its-kind bill in support of people with disabilities submitted by the Solidarity Committee on May 24. If passed, the bill would work to integrate individuals with disabilities into society, provide them with proper living conditions and eradicate disability-based discrimination.

Per the bill, people with disabilities will be issued identification cards that will grant them many privileges such as shorter working hours for themselves or those taking care of them at all governmental and nongovernmental institutions. Disabled ID card holders will also be provided with suitable housing and transportation. Educational institutions shall prioritize the integration of disabled individuals, and governmental and financial institutions shall be better equipped to accommodate them and facilitate their access to services.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.