21. An inadequate consultation is a major barrier confronting persons with disabilities in attempting to gain access to services provided by the Government and in participating in activities targeted for them. Consultation is recognised as one of the primary strategies in human rights based development, particularly in policy formulation. Consultation must also be a core element in service delivery for persons with disabilities. 22. There is no evidence of any early detection and intervention initiatives for disabilities. Maximum development and full potential for children with disabilities are achieved when early intervention strategies are implemented in the first three years of life (FirstSigns 2001). Early intervention services includes therapy, education, health services, inclusion support in early childhood services, formal and informal family support, information and referral and the provision of information and support for transition into school systems (TheNucleusGroup 2002). 23. Parents want their children to be successful in education but access to education for children with disabilities is severely limited. Where there is access to education teaching is not conducted in inclusive classrooms. No standard curriculum is being followed for special education with the exception of Jamaluddin School. Training of special education teachers and getting teachers to respect and protect the rights of children with disabilities is a major challenge. Furthermore, there is virtually no access to or transition to second- ACTIVITIES ADDRESSING RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ary level education for children with disabilities. Another challenge facing young people ... 12 with disabilities and their parents is the lack of planned transitions from school to work, vocational training, tertiary education or other meaningful day-time activities. 24. Human resources and facilities required to address mental health is lacking. There is no mental health authority, mental hospital or mental health clinic in the Maldives. The only out-patient facility for mental health is at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital in Male’. There are only two psychiatrists working in the country and both work at the outpatient facility at IGMH. There are no psychiatrists at any of the regional hospitals or in the private sector. The two psychiatrists make monthly visits to the Home for People with Special Needs in Guraidhoo. There are trained psychologists in the Maldives but none of them work directly for mental health services. 25. In March 2010, there were more than 31 persons with disabilities waiting to get a place at the Home for People with Special Needs. Paradoxically there were 31 patients at residential