JEDDAH – The Ministry of Social Affairs in Makkah region has announced that it provides the physically challenged with certain privileges regardless of whether they live with a family or in one of the rehabilitation centers. The ministry said the most important services provided to the disabled include granting them annual financial assistance ranging from SR10,000 to SR20,000, as well as assistance every two years through the offices of the General Organization for Social Insurance. They are also provided equipment like wheelchairs, earphones, medical beds and prosthetics. The disabled person is also granted discounted air-tickets and is given priority by the royal court in getting land grants, besides scholarships and admission in universities and institutes. There is also the possibility of employing the physically challenged in private companies and establishments in cooperation with the Labor Office, Human Resources Development Fund and chambers of commerce and industry. Employment of a physically challenged citizen grants the company four added Saudization points. The disabled can also get vocational training at the government and private training centers in a number of vocations. Government hospitals provide free treatment, including physiotherapy, to the disabled. They are also exempt from paying visa fees for the recruitment of drivers or housemaids.
