The Authority of People with Disabilities (APD) has announced the commencement of exercising its powers in inspection, oversight, and enforcement regarding violations of Article 25 of the Law of the Rights of People with Disabilities. The article prohibits non-government entities from failing to comply with the fundamental principles set out in Article 2 of the Law, depriving People with disabilities of the rights and services guaranteed to them, or adopting policies that result in direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of disability. The Authority explained that the exercise of these powers is based on the Law of the Rights of People with Disabilities and the Inspection, Oversight, and Enforcement Rules issued by the Authority’s Board of Directors. These rules regulate the Authority’s procedures for addressing violations by non-government entities, including private-sector and non-profit organizations. Among the key violations falling within the Authority’s jurisdiction are the adoption of policies involving direct or indirect discrimination on the basis of disability; discrimination against persons with disabilities in their interactions; preventing persons with disabilities from exercising legally recognized acts and managing their personal affairs independently without a legal impediment; and depriving them of access to educational, training, healthcare, insurance, and financial services, or their right to mobility. The Authority also noted that a specialized committee has been established to review violations committed by non-government entities and impose the penalties stipulated by the Law, including a fine of up to SAR 500,000. The penalty is doubled in cases of repeated violations. The Authority affirmed that the Law of the Rights of People with Disabilities guarantees their rights across various fields. It continues to carry out its regulatory and supervisory roles to strengthen entities’ compliance, protect the rights of persons with disabilities, and ensure their equal access to services, contributing to an inclusive society that empowers all individuals and provides equal opportunities.