Qatar is considering assisting Armenia in implementing small group  home model for individuals with disabilities

ArmInfo. Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Arsen Torosyan received Qatari Ambassador to Armenia Mansour Abdullah Salem Saad Al-Sulaiti.

The parties discussed a number of issues related to deepening  bilateral relations in the areas of labor and social protection and  emphasized the importance of the existing potential for developing  cooperation between the countries.

They touched upon the implementation of the obligations stipulated by  the agreement "On the Regulation of Labor Activity of Citizens of the  Republic of Armenia in the Territory of the State of Qatar." In this  regard, Torosyan and Al-Sulaiti emphasized the importance of  consistent work on labor migration and human development.

Furthermore, the parties discussed priorities in addressing the needs  of individuals with disabilities, particularly issues related to the  implementation of the small group home model. In particular, they  discussed the possibility of Qatar supporting this process.

Following the meeting, an agreement was reached to take the necessary  measures to exchange experiences and implement targeted programs in  the relevant area.

It is worth noting that the National Assembly adopted the laws "On  the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" and "On the Assessment of  Human Functional Capabilities," which paved the way for a transition  from a medical model to a rights and inclusion model. As of November  1, according to the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, 197,046  persons with disabilities, including 9,356 children, are covered by  the previous and new systems.

Previously, Torosyan reported on the expansion of small "Group  Homes," which provide temporary care services from large institutions  to the local community. Currently, 70 people with mental and  intellectual disabilities in Armenia receive 24-hour care in five  small group homes in family-like conditions.