Challenges Faced by Visually Impaired People in Morocco
Morocco is home to more than 400,000 visually impaired individuals, yet many continue to face significant barriers in accessing education, employment, and health services. Despite the country’s efforts to promote inclusion through various legal frameworks, such as the UN Disability Convention, the 2011 Constitution, and Framework Law 97.13, the implementation of these policies remains a challenge.
On March 30, during the National Day for Persons with Disabilities, many visually impaired people in Rabat took to the streets to protest the daily obstacles they encounter. The National Association of the Blind argues that while these legal achievements exist on paper, they are not properly enforced, leaving many without the support and services they need.
Legal Protections and Their Implementation
Morocco has several laws aimed at supporting blind and visually impaired people. One such law, Law 81-5, grants them access to public schools and vocational training, priority for jobs suited to their abilities in both the public and private sectors, free or discounted public transport, and priority when visiting government offices. It also protects employees from being retired or dismissed due to vision loss, requiring administrations to provide rehabilitation and assign suitable positions.
In 2012, Morocco introduced a 7% quota for public sector jobs reserved for people with disabilities to improve their access to employment within state institutions. However, this measure is not fully implemented. Lamia Lehlou Kamal, an activist and secretary-general of the Alternatives Organization for the Blind and Visually Impaired, stated that if the 7% quota were enforced, there would be no unemployed people with disabilities.
Since the adoption of a unified recruitment exam in 2019, around 200 people with disabilities have been able to integrate into several ministries and public institutions each year. While this has eased some pressure, it remains low compared to the number of graduates. Even with employment, many public administrations still fail to provide basic tools like screen readers, adapted computers, scanners, or other necessary resources.
Inclusive Work Environments
A 2025 study by the Ombudsman Institution, in partnership with the State Secretariat for Social Inclusion and the National Observatory for Human Development, found that only 25% of Moroccan administrations are considered inclusive. Access, services, digital tools, training, and job integration were key factors in the assessment. While 47.5% of administrations offer digital services, accessibility for people with disabilities remains uneven.
Most employees must figure things out on their own, according to the activist. There is also an issue with assigning tasks that match employees’ qualifications. Many visually impaired employees end up with duties that do not reflect their skills or training, contributing to feelings of discrimination and limiting their career growth. The study noted that administrative or human support is provided in only 20% of cases, and tasks are adjusted in just 45% of administrations to help employees with disabilities integrate more effectively.
Educational Struggles
Blind and visually impaired students also face challenges in accessing education. Most attend specialized schools run by the Alouite Organization for the Care of the Blind, a non-profit association managing their education since around 1967. The association has over 10 institutions nationwide, providing free education, Braille textbooks, writing boards, counting blocks, and digital tools to support learning. It also offers meals and boarding for students from primary to secondary levels.
The goal is to integrate blind individuals into society as full citizens, supporting their development and showcasing their abilities through programs in education, training, employment, sports, and social care. However, “the number of branches has decreased over time,” the activist said, noting that some regions have only one branch, such as in Casa-Settat or Rabat.
Education for many students generally happens through this association, despite programs for inclusive education in regular schools. Still, many complain about being sent to associations instead of attending public schools. “We are citizens, and our parents pay taxes. We should have access to public education,” Lamiaa said, adding that “it’s not fair for our community to be sent to associations and treated as if we were a burden.”
Limitations in Teaching Staff and Curriculum
Educational staff for visually impaired students has also been limited. Teachers were often either visually impaired themselves or people without disabilities. Many of them did not know Braille, creating communication barriers between students and teachers. Most students choose to pursue their academic studies in philosophy, sociology, French, or English and Islamic studies, restricting their opportunities in the job market.
“The association that educates visually impaired students focuses on literature and leaves them without access to scientific or vocational programs, limiting their future opportunities,” Lehlou Kamal said.