Gov’t Collaborates With DVLA To Enable People With Disabilities To Obtain Driver’s Licenses

To promote inclusivity and equal opportunities, the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection has embarked on an initiative to make driver’s licenses accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The sector minister, Lariba Zureiwa Abudu, announced the collaboration between her department and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) during a recent press briefing.

Under this innovative partnership, people with disabilities will receive comprehensive training, testing, and driving instruction, enabling them to acquire the necessary skills to obtain driver’s licenses.

Madam Abudu expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that they will have the opportunity to not only undergo training but also bring in their own vehicles and drive independently.

During the press briefing, Madam Abudu also highlighted the ministry’s commitment to promoting employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

To that effect, a detailed list of disabled individuals with marketable abilities has been compiled and shared with the Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.

To facilitate the employment of those on the list, the minister revealed that discussions were underway with the ministers of employment and education.

The ministry has gathered data on 12,667 children with disabilities, 103 disabled graduates from tertiary institutions, and 30 graduates with employable skills. These figures underscore the ministry’s determination to ensure that individuals with disabilities are given fair employment opportunities.