Disability rights advocate Ali Jookhun has emphasized the need for inclusive employment practices in Mauritius, particularly in institutions serving persons with disabilities. He cited the cases of Asleem and Aarthi Burtony André, highlighting the challenges they faced in securing stable employment. Asleem, who lost his eyesight in 2000, joined the Training and Employment of Disabled Persons Board (TEDPB) as a trainee in 2010 and remained in that position for eleven years without secure employment.
TEDPB was established in 1996 to combat employment discrimination and promote training and employment schemes for persons with disabilities. However, an audit review in 2002 raised concerns about the institution's effectiveness and efficiency. Asleem's case demonstrates that employment support cannot end with placement, but requires ongoing support, including employer partnerships, individual assessment, and job matching. His experience shows that a programme intended to lead to employment must not become a long-term holding pattern.
Aarthi Burtony André, a qualified professional who is blind, was recruited by the Special Education Needs Authority (SENA) in December 2023 on merit, not charity. Her initial employment arrangement included reasonable accommodations, such as telework and transport, which enabled her to perform her duties effectively. However, her contract was terminated in May 2025, and she faced uncertainty over her employment. The Commission for Conciliation and Mediation (CCM) intervened, making recommendations to ensure Aarthi's professional stability.
The CCM's recommendations, issued on September 30, 2026, identified a formal pathway for SENA to secure a durable position for Aarthi Burtony André. The recommendations include creating a Resource Person grade on SENA's establishment, subject to consideration and approval by the Ministry of Education. This development highlights the need for disability-sector institutions to demonstrate inclusive employment practices in their own operations.
Ali Jookhun emphasized that employment is a right and a source of dignity, independence, and equal participation. He stressed that public institutions serving persons with disabilities should be model employers, removing barriers, recognizing merit, and treating reasonable accommodation as a normal part of working life. The cases of Asleem and Aarthi Burtony André demonstrate the importance of ongoing support and inclusive employment practices.
The Pay Research Bureau (PRB) took over SENA's operations on January 1, 2026, and created administrative and technical posts. However, the Resource Person post occupied by Aarthi Burtony André was not reclassified. The CCM's recommendations aim to address this issue and ensure Aarthi's employment stability. The matter was referred to the SENA Board, which restored the initial transport facilities and retained a hybrid arrangement of three office days with transport and two days of telework.
The disability rights advocate's call for inclusive employment practices highlights the need for institutions to prioritize the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. The cases of Asleem and Aarthi Burtony André demonstrate the importance of ongoing support and inclusive employment practices in ensuring equal participation and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Key points
- Disability rights advocate Ali Jookhun urges inclusive employment practices in Mauritius, citing cases of Asleem and Aarthi Burtony André.
- CCM recommends creating a Resource Person grade on SENA's establishment to secure Aarthi Burtony André's employment stability.
- Disability-sector institutions must demonstrate inclusive employment practices in their own operations.
