policy was changed and assistive devices are now provided through the National Health Insurance scheme Madhana. 17. The first ever Maldivian Sign Language Dictionary was released on 28 October 2009. The dictionary contains signs for around 650 words supported with English and Dhivehi description, explaining the required hand-shapes and the movement to be used while signing a particular word. 18. Care Society has been very active since 1998 in supporting children and women with disabilities through education and rehabilitation services. The Maldives Deaf Association (MDA) has more than 58 members who are deaf and brings together previously isolated, deaf groups and individuals and conducts programmes to raise awareness on issues faced by deaf people, and provides sign language teaching and vocational training. The Association for disAbility & Development (ADD) formed in 2008 acts as a support group on disability that brings parents and caretakers together. Hand in Hand provides psycho-social support for persons with disabilities. 19. Handicap International (HI) has contributed significantly to the development of disability policy and disability related services in the Maldives. HI conducted screening for functional limitations as an ongoing survey in islands whereby student in schools and the preparation of Maldivian Sign Language Dictionary. A key achievement of HI is the establishment of three national level NGOs that work in the area of disability support and services; namely MDA, ADD and Hand-in-Hand. 20. There are several good activities that are ongoing. However, real gaps in activities remain and persons with disabilities still face barriers accessing their basic necessities. Although assistive devices are available from the Government, there is limited information made available to persons with disabilities. Financial assistance is provided to blind people, but there is no income assistance to persons with other forms of disabilities. Improving outcomes for persons with disabilities is not just about getting specialised disability supports right – it is also about ensuring change at much broader levels especially in providing access to education, health care, homes, buildings, sports, communication and transport. In addition, social discrimination directed at persons with disabilities still hinders the full realisation of their human rights, and prevent full participation in society. ACTIVITIES ADDRESSING RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES the community were screened for any type of disabilities. HI contributed immensely to ... 11