Addressing the event, the minister said the major goal of the forum was to finalize and implement Tawafuq program already prepared by the ministry.
A number of local and international experts were called to exchange expertise on how to benefit from the program and activate it locally to create jobs for those with special needs, he said.
The disabled have the right to employment and the Tawafuq program comes to serve this goal and, therefore, the concept has to be consolidated by different governmental bodies and private sector firms as well, he said.
He said such opportunities will not be realized unless effective regulations are issued and implemented and that suitable training and qualification opportunities are provided to those with special needs.
The minister expressed thanks to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Crown Prince Naif and DCA Chairman Prince Sultan bin Salman for their support for these programs that are aimed at tackling the problem of unemployment and create job opportunities.
Deputy Chairman of DCA Abdulrahman Al-Suwailim, addressing the event on behalf of Prince Sultan, said the Kingdom has been paying special attention to the employment of the disabled and extending incentives to private firms to employ them as part of sustainable development of the Kingdom.
He expressed happiness over a program launched by the DCA on the employment of disabled in partnership with the ministries of labor and social affairs, Manpower Development Fund and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation.
Minister of Social Affairs Yusuf Al-Othaimain also addressed the forum and explored key services provided by the ministry to those with special needs.
Participants in the forum will discuss various countries’ experiences of employing the disabled. They will also examine existing rules and regulations and other legal matters related to the employment of disabled people besides exploring the mechanism to effectively implement the laws governing their employment.
The workshop will also discuss papers on the International Labor Organization’s regulations regarding the employment of the disabled besides the creation of the right environment for employing them and how to implement relevant rules.
