This assessment was commissioned by the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) as part of the commitments specified in their mandate. The evaluation was conducted during 2009. Several activities targeted at persons with disabilities have now been in place for several years and it is timely to review not only the effectiveness with which it has achieved its aims, but also to identify opportunities for improvement. The Government provides a range of useful services to help persons with disabilities. The non-governmental organisations also play an important role in the provision of services for persons with disabilities. Current national thinking on disability issues is guided by the draft National Disability Policy and the recently ratified United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. There are still many challenges both in terms of what government services are provided and how these services are delivered. The most fundamental challenge is in changing society’s attitudes towards persons with disabilities. This report aims to give an overview of the situation of support services provided in the Maldives to persons with disabilities and the key challenges faced. This baseline assessment report is presented as a strategic review of the evidence available from information gained from a variety of sources. Information was collected primarily through interviews with key officials of government ministries, individual employees of the were conducted to centres where services are provided to assess the status of activities. Interviews were also conducted with advocacy groups and non-governmental organisations. A list of stakeholders consulted for this assessment is given in Annex 1. Consultations were undertaken to gauge perceptions of the performance, drivers to success, and of any barriers. Subjects for discussion included equity, inclusion, participation, access, and accountability and its objectives and achievements; access to information; and whether progress has been made over the last five years in service provision. The methods used such as face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders, case study interviews with employees, and visits to disability service delivery centres provided the required information. Written reports were received from the Ministry of Health and Family. ACTIVITIES ADDRESSING RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES government who are engaged in providing services and the recipients of service. Field visits ... 21