118. The Ministry of Arts and Culture also provides financial assistance to artists with
disabilities for their creative works and encourages their participation in programmes at national
level. Mauritius also encourage athletes with disabilities to participate in sports activities represent
the country in regional competition and international competition.
119. Mauritius hosted the 10th Indian Ocean Island Games in July 2019 whereby Paralympics
competitions were also featured. Persons with disabilities participated and represented the country
and a cash prize was offered to those winning a medal.
120. Persons with disabilities are entitled to 100% duty-free facilities to purchase adapted cars
not exceeding 1600 cc once every 7 years, subject to the following criterion being met. In the first
instance, person with disability of 60% and above, who is in gainful employment and holding a
valid driving licence. Secondly, a parent or legal guardian of a disabled person with permanent
orthopedic disability of 60% or above, having severe mobility problem; and heavily dependent on
others for activities of daily living and thirdly a person, deaf or blind with disability of 60% and
above, and who is in gainful employment.
121. The Disability Bill is yet to be finalized. Its implications and bearings are under study.
However, it is to be highlighted that, notwithstanding the fact that the Disability Bill has not yet
been introduced, the Equal Opportunities Act, the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons
Act and the Building Control Act deal extensively with the issue of discrimination against persons
with “impairment”, employment of persons and constriction of buildings to ensure that they are
accessible to persons with disabilities.
122. Although any person having a disability of less than 60% may not be eligible for BIP, if he
qualifies for social aid, he will be benefit from same. Assistive devices such as hearing aids,
spectacles and wheel chairs are provided to persons coming from households whose monthly
income is less than Rs 30,000 free of charge.
123. A special loan scheme of up to Rs 300,000 (at 4% interest) has been launched by the EWF
for people with disability provided they are registered with the Disability Unit of the Ministry of
Social Security, National Solidarity and Environment and Sustainable Development (Social
Security and National Solidarity Division). This scheme covers educational purposes both locally
and abroad, purchase of assistive devices, medical treatment and upgrading of living conditions.
124. Free parking coupons are provided to people with severe mobility problems and people
who suffer from blindness. Graduates with disabilities are also enrolled under the Youth
Employment Programme (YEP) and Service to Mauritius (STM) schemes whereby they are
enlisted for training and are paid an appropriate stipend.
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