Organisations should help shape the changes
The committee called for a national strategy and action plan developed with people with disabilities and their representative organisations, especially people with intellectual disabilities. It recommended services supporting independent living and allowances covering additional daily-living expenses. The recommendations put residents’ choices and participation at the centre of reform. [1]
Experts question whose voices are heard
During the March dialogue, rapporteur Muhannad Salah Al-Azzeh urged Bahrain to develop a rights-based definition of disability with representative organisations. Social Development Minister Osama bin Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfour said the country wanted to improve education, health, employment and housing services. The committee regretted the absence of disability organisations from the review. [2][1]
Assistance directed by the person
The committee’s existing guidance explains personal assistance as support controlled by the person using it. It covers decisions about who provides assistance, when and how, and control over funding. This approach gives concrete content to the community services sought in the Bahrain recommendations. [3][1]