4,000 Maldivians with physical disabilities; 584 with autism

Statistics from the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) show that a total of 14,308 individuals were registered on the Registry of Persons with Disabilities as of May, with the majority being those with physical disabilities.

According to the statistics published by NSPA on Sunday, the highest number of people with disabilities in the Maldives accounts for those with physical disabilities at 4,000.

There are 3,194 people with multiple disabilities and 1,892 people with intellectual disabilities. 

Other statistics from the registry:

• 1,753 people with mental disorders 
• 1,740 people with hearing or speaking impairments  
• 999 people with visual impairments 
• 55 people with learning disabilities

A total of 156 people were newly registered on the registry. More men have been registered on the registry than women.

NSPA has provided financial assistance to 14,144 people on the list. In this regard, MVR 50,768,000 has been disbursed in financial assistance.

Ministry of Social and Family Development states that seven percent of the Maldivian population has disabilities.