KUWAIT: The Public Authority of the Disabled Affairs (PADA) has reviewed up to 18,000 files, out of total 50,000, of registered persons with disabilities, said Director General Shafiqa Al-Awadhi on Sunday.

Reviewing the files of the registered disabled is regularly conducted every three years, in line with the law, Awadhi told the press after a meeting for PADA with numerous officials from other public benefit societies, on several issues and complaints related of the disabled. She noted that the meeting had taken note of viewpoints, complaints, and observations, as well as the concerns by other organizations on the topics related to the disabled.

Participants in the meeting were offered a comprehensive account of the disabled-related issues, and full answers were provided on issues related to the reassessment of their portfolios. Such reevaluations will not cause any trouble to workers with disabilities, but on the contrary, the process will help them obtain their rights in any case.

Meanwhile, Deputy PADA Director General for Educational and Rehabilitation Services, Majid Al-Saleh, described yesterday's discussions as 'fruitful' and 'very positive'. He added that new committees would soon be formed to review additional fees that might be added to Special Needs schools in the future. They will comprise members from other public organizations.

In 2010, Kuwait issued Law No. 8/2010 on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to form a public organization for persons with disabilities. The law was based on standards adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in defining disability, and in conformity with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. - KUNA