Muscat Municipality: Public Services Dedicated for Persons with Disabilities
As part of its moral obligation to assist mobility and access of persons with special needs, Muscat Municipality participates in the first forum dedicated for persons with disabilities which was opened yesterday evening (Monday) under the patronage of His Excellency Sayyid Saud bin Hilal Al Busaidi, governor of Muscat.
The Municipality has set a number of laws and legislations that take into account the needs of persons with disabilities before licensing the construction of projects and public buildings in Muscat Governorate so that this category to be able to move easily and conveniently in suitable spaces in public and private places and buildings.
Slopes
There are technical requirements for the implementation of slopes and entrances so to fit the use of persons with disabilites. The slops were made to provide easier movement and mobility, and include adequate protection standards and safety from falling, with the provision of guidance boards.
Vehicle parking
Muscat Municipality, in coordination with the concerned authorities, allocates parking spaces for vehicles of persons with disabilities in all public and private parking lots, so to be near the entrances and exits of the places they visit, marked by special parking with guide plates.
Side walks
When designing the side walks and pathways, the municipality takes into account that they are free from obstacles, and are non-slip, so that they are suitable for wheelchair owners with special needs.
Restrooms
Public toilets were also prepared to serve people with special needs, one for men and another for women, with the provision of spaces and detailed standards for the dimensions and measurements of the room.
Guide Boards
The building requirements take into account the design of guide boards and signs made with easier readability and installed at a level of vision where easy to read and see. A special sign for people with disabilities in places where their services are available in public and private buildings and public facilities.
Stairs and elevators
Stairs and elevators commensurate with the uses of people with disabilities and suitable for their movement in a way that does not hinder movement according to specific measurements and appropriate materials.
Public facilities
The technical requirements also oblige to take into account the equipment of mosques, ceremonial halls, hotels, hospitals, halls and public facilities by providing the necessary spaces, corridors and elevators that allow people with disabilities to move and move and use and benefit from them easily.
Access to Parks and Entertainment
In order to enhance the access of persons with disabilities to recreational facilities, Muscat Municipality has provided a set of recreational games in a number of parks and gardens in Muscat Governorate for this category.
Technical Access to e-Municipality Services.
The design of Muscat Municipality website takes into account the ease of navigation and accessibility for people with special needs, as it complies with the international standards and fits with the most commonly used internet browsers. Among the features that can be used for ease of navigation are: providing a text reader feature and the possibility of changing the text colour and size for those with visual impairment, as well as the site contains educational video links that guide users while using electronic services.