The Persons with Disabilities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.185
CHAPTER 183
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
Arrangement of Sections
Section Title
part i
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. Short title.
2. Application.
3. Interpretation.
part ii
PRINCIPLES AND OBLIGATION FOR REALISATION
OF THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
4. Basic principles.
5. Obligation for realisation of rights of persons with disabilities.
6. Equality and non- discrimination.
7. Awareness raising.
part iii
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT
8. Establishment of National Advisory Council.
9. Functions and powers of Commissioner.
10. Objectives of Council.
11. Composition of Council.
12. Functions of Council.
13. Sources of funds of Council.
14. Village, Mtaa, Council, District and Regional committees.
part iv
INTEGRATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
15. Living independently and being included in community.
16. Obligation to provide social support.
17. Failure to provide reasonable social support.
18. Settlement for persons with disabilities.
19. Formulation of programmes.

provide social support.
17. Failure to provide reasonable social support.
18. Settlement for persons with disabilities.
19. Formulation of programmes.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
186
part v
SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES
20. Duty of local government authorities to safeguard persons with disabilities. 21. Duty to report infringement of rights of child with disabilities. 22. Responsibility of local government authorities. part vi
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND SETTLEMENTS
23. Register. 24. Removal from Register. 25. Requirement of registration of settlement for persons with disabilities. part vii
HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION, REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT
26. Health care and rehabilitation. 27. Education and training for persons with disabilities. 28. Prohibition of discrimination in learning institutions. 29. Facilities for special schools. 30. Industrial rehabilitation. 31. Obligation to give employment. 32. Continuance of employment for persons with disabilities. 33. Prohibition of discrimination in employment. 34. Working environment. part viii
ACCESS TO BUILDINGS, SERVICES,
INFORMATION AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
35.

rohibition of discrimination in employment. 34. Working environment. part viii
ACCESS TO BUILDINGS, SERVICES,
INFORMATION AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
35.

Access to public buildings. 36. Services provided by public body. 37. Accessible services. 38. Access to information. 39. Accessibility of persons with disabilities to heritage and tourism sites. 40. Preparation of Code of Practice. 41. Responsibilities of certain Ministers. 42. Sectoral Plan by ministry responsible for community development. 43. Sectoral Plan by ministry responsible for health and social welfare. 44. Sectoral Plan by ministry responsible for buildings. 45. Sectoral Plan by ministry responsible for local government authorities. 46. Sectoral Plan by ministry responsible for labour and employment.

ings. 45. Sectoral Plan by ministry responsible for local government authorities. 46. Sectoral Plan by ministry responsible for labour and employment.

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.187
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
47. Complaint.
48. Barrier free movement.
49. Standards and guidelines on accessibility.
50. Prohibitions of denial public premise.
part ix
PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES IN POLITICAL AND PUBLIC LIFE
51. Participation of persons with disabilities in political and public life.
52. Sports recreation and leisure.
53. Participation in cultural life.
54. Social protection to persons with disabilities.
part x
PROVISIONS RELATING TO TELEVISION
PROGRAMMES AND TELEPHONE SERVICES
55. Television programmmes.
56. Telephone services.
part xi
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
57. National Fund for Persons with Disabilities.
58. Accounts and audit.
part xii
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
59. Power of entry.
60. Delegation of powers by Minister.
61. Regulations.
62. Offences and penalties.
63. Repeals and savings.
64. Transitional period.
SCHEDULES

entry.
60. Delegation of powers by Minister.
61. Regulations.
62. Offences and penalties.
63. Repeals and savings.
64. Transitional period.
SCHEDULES

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.188
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Persons with Disabilities Act. 2. This Act shall apply to Mainland Tanzania. 3.

OAG.188
PART I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
1. This Act may be cited as the Persons with Disabilities Act. 2. This Act shall apply to Mainland Tanzania. 3.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires -
“accessibility” means enabling or allowing a person with
disability to have access directly or indirectly to benefits
of public social services in all spheres of society and it
includes access to information, communication and
physical environment such as tactile and sign language,
interpretation for deaf and deaf blind persons, audio tapes,
braille, large print, low vision facilities, computerised
information and programmes and making physical
environment in buildings, public transport, roads and
streets accessible for persons with disabilities;
“authorised officer” means any officer appointed by the
Commissioner in writing, either generally or specifically, to
act in matters of any specified kind;
Short title
Application
Interpretation
CHAPTER 183
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
An Act to make provisions for the health care, social support, accessibility,
rehabilitation, education and vocational training, communication,
employment or work protection and promotion of basic rights for the
persons with disabilities and to provide for related matters. [1st January, 2011]
[GN. No. 430 of 2010]
Act No. 9 of 2010

tion of basic rights for the
persons with disabilities and to provide for related matters. [1st January, 2011]
[GN. No. 430 of 2010]
Act No. 9 of 2010

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.189
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.189
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

2023]
“civil society” means a non-governmental actor including
a Community Based Organisation, Non-Governmental
Organisation, Faith Based Organisation, organisation of
and for persons with disabilities, private sector organisation,
trade union and a professional organisation;
“Commissioner” means the Commissioner for Social Welfare;
“Committee” means-
(a) when used in relation to a village, the Village Committee;
(b) when used in relation to Mtaa, the Mtaa Committee;
(c) when used in relation to a Council, the Council
Committee; and
(d) when used in relation to a region, the Regional
Committee;
“communication” includes spoken and sign languages, display
of text, braille, tactile communication, large print, accessible
multimedia as well as written, audio, plain, language, human
reader and augmentative and alternative modes, means
and formats of communication, including accessible
information and communication technology;
“Council” means the National Advisory Council for Persons
with Disabilities established under section 8;
“disability” in relation to an individual means loss or limitation
of opportunities to take part in the normal life of the
community on an equal level with others due to physical,
mental or social factors;
“discrimination” means any distinctions, exclusion or restriction
on the basis of disability which has the purpose, effect
or impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or
exercise on equal basis of human rights and fundamental
freedom in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil
or any other field and includes all forms of discrimination
and denial of reasonable accommodation;
“discriminate” means any distinction, exclusion or restriction
to different persons solely or mainly as a result of their
disabilities and includes words, gestures or caricatures that
demean, scandalise or embarrass persons with disabilities by-

ainly as a result of their
disabilities and includes words, gestures or caricatures that
demean, scandalise or embarrass persons with disabilities by-

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

2023]
190
(a) treating such a person less favourably from a person
without disability;
(b) treating such a person with one type of disability less
favourably from a person with another type of disability;
(c) requiring such a person to comply with a requirement
or condition which a person without disability may have
an advantage over; or
(d) failure to effect affirmative action;
“employee” means an individual who-
(a) has entered into a contract of employment; or
(b) has entered into any other contract under which -
(i) the individual undertakes to work personally for
the other party to the contract; and
(ii) the other party is not a client or customer or of
any profession, business or undertaking carried
on by the individual; or
(c) is deemed to be an employee under the provisions of
the Employment and Labour Relations Act;
“employer” means any person who have entered into a contract
of service to employ any person or group of persons and
it shall include employee defined and recognised under
other existing written laws;
“Fund” means the National Fund for Persons with Disabilities
established under section 57 of this Act;
“heritage site” shall have the meaning ascribed to it under
the Antiquities Act;
“inclusion” means the process whereby people or society
value and respect diversity as part of life, hence minimize
barriers in order to accommodate persons with disabilities
to participate in, and contribute to that society;
“inclusive school” means a place where barriers have been
removed to enable students with disabilities to learn and
participate effectively within the general school system;
“integration” means a level of involvement and acceptance
of person with a disability in the community;
Cap.

ctively within the general school system;
“integration” means a level of involvement and acceptance
of person with a disability in the community;
Cap.

366
Cap. 333

366
Cap. 333

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.191
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.191
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

2023]
“job accommodation” means appropriate measures to design
and adapt work places and work premises in such a way
they become accessible to persons with disabilities;
“local government authority” shall have the meaning ascribed
to it under the Local Government (District Authorities)
Act and Local Government (Urban Authorities) Act;
“Minister” means the Minister responsible for persons with
disabilities;
“mental disability” means inability to meet individual
and societal needs by reason of emotional and mental
retardation;
“organisation for persons with disabilities” means an association
or a society formed by non-disabled individuals interested
in the field of disability registered under the relevant laws
in order to promote and protect the rights, well being and
dignity of persons with disability;
“organisation of persons with disabilities” means an association
or a society formed by persons with disabilities registered
under the relevant laws in order to promote and protect the
rights, well being and dignity of persons with disabilities;
“person with disability” means a person with a physical,
intellectual, sensory or mental impairment and whose
functional capacity is limited by encountering attitudinal,
environmental and institutional barriers;
“positive discrimination” means policies and practices
which favour persons with disabilities;
“public building” means building or part of a building, to which
members or the public generally have access and which is
occupied, managed or controlled by the Government or
private person which provides services to the public;
“reasonable changes” means necessary, appropriate and
adjustments offered in a manner that does not impose a
disproportionate burden, where needed in a particular
case, to ensure persons with disabilities enjoy or exercise
on an equal basis with others all human rights and
fundamental freedoms;
Cap.

a particular
case, to ensure persons with disabilities enjoy or exercise
on an equal basis with others all human rights and
fundamental freedoms;
Cap.

287
Cap. 288

287
Cap. 288

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
192
“rehabilitation” means combined efforts in the domain
of health, education, vocational training, psychology,
public awareness and work including community based
rehabilitation intended to raise the functional level of a
person with disability so as to enable him, take part in the
normal life of the community;
“relative” means a person who is related to a person with
disability by blood, marriage or adoption;
“settlement” means a public building established for the
purpose of providing welfare requirements of the needy
persons with disabilities;
“social protection” means family or community support
structures, and interventions by state or non-state actors
that support individuals, households and communities
to prevent, manage, overcome the risks threatening their
security and well-being;
“social support” means a support or assistance given to a
person with disability in order to help that person to cope
with his situation in a given environment.

pport” means a support or assistance given to a
person with disability in order to help that person to cope
with his situation in a given environment.

PART II
PRINCIPLES AND OBLIGATION FOR
REALISATION OF THE RIGHTS OF
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
4. The principles of this Act shall be-
(a) respect for human dignity, individual’s freedom to
make own choices and independency of persons with
disabilities;
(b) non discrimination;
(c) full and effective participation and inclusion of persons
with disabilities in all aspects in the society;
(d) equality of opportunity;
(e) accessibility;
(f) equality between men and women with disabilities and
recognition of their rights and needs; and
(g) to provide basic standard of living and social protection. Basic principles

women with disabilities and
recognition of their rights and needs; and
(g) to provide basic standard of living and social protection. Basic principles

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.193
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.193
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

2023]
5.–(1) The Minister shall take appropriate steps to ensure
and promote the realisation of all rights and freedoms of
persons with disabilities without discrimination and shall, in
that respect-
(a) undertake measures to effectively comply with the
rights of persons with disabilities as provided for under
this Act;
(b) take appropriate steps to ensure the realisation of the
rights of persons with disabilities in all national policies,
programmes and legislation;
(c) refrain from engaging in any act or practice that is
inconsistent with provisions of this Act, and to ensure
that public authorities and institutions at all levels act
in conformity with this Act;
(d) take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination
on the basis of disability by any persons, private or
public;
(e) in collaboration with relevant institutions, undertake
and promote researches in relation to disabilities,
development, availability and use of-
(i) universally designed goods, services, equipment
and facilities to meet specific needs of persons with
disabilities, which should require the minimum
possible adaptation and the least cost to meet the
specific needs of a person with a disability and to
promote universal design in the development of
standards and guidelines;
(ii) new technologies, including information and
communication technologies, technical aids,
devices, assistive technologies suitable for persons
with disabilities, giving priority to technologies at
an affordable cost;
(f) provide accessible information to persons with disabilities
on technical aids, devices and assistive technologies,
including new technologies as well as other forms of
assistance, support services and facilities; and
Obligation for
realisation of
rights of persons
with disabilities

hnologies as well as other forms of
assistance, support services and facilities; and
Obligation for
realisation of
rights of persons
with disabilities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
194
(g) promote the training of professionals and staff who
are working with persons with disabilities on their
rights, as recognised in this Act so as to provide better
assistance and services guaranteed by those rights. (2) The Minister shall take appropriate legislative and
administrative measures available, with a view to achieving the
full realisation of rights of persons with disabilities as set out
under the provisions of this Act. (3) In the development and implementation of the rights
under this Act, and in other decision making processes
concerning issues relating to persons with disabilities, the
Minister shall consult representative organisations and other
established mechanisms. (4) The standards provided in this Act shall be minimum
standards for realisation of rights of persons with disabilities and,
without prejudice to their rights, individually or collectively,
through their organisations or other legitimate entities. 6.

s with disabilities and,
without prejudice to their rights, individually or collectively,
through their organisations or other legitimate entities. 6.

The Government shall-
(a) ensure that all persons with disabilities are equal, and
are fully entitled without any discrimination to the
equal protection and benefits of this Act;
(b) prohibit all forms of discrimination on the basis of
disability and guarantee the persons with disabilities
equal and effective legal protection against discrimination
on all grounds; and
(c) for purposes of promoting equality and elimination
of all forms of discrimination, take all appropriate
measures to ensure that reasonable changes are provided
to persons with disabilities of all ages and gender. 7. The Minister shall, in collaboration with civil societies and
other actors, undertake appropriate measures to-
(a) raise public awareness throughout the society regarding
the potential, contributions and rights of persons with
disabilities and to foster for their rights and dignity;
Equality and non-
discrimination
Awareness raising

, contributions and rights of persons with
disabilities and to foster for their rights and dignity;
Equality and non-
discrimination
Awareness raising

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.195
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.195
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

2023]
(b) combat stereotypes, prejudices and harmful practices
relating to persons with disabilities in all aspects of life;
and
(c) promote awareness of the abilities, talents and
contributions of persons with disabilities in order to
enhance the level of awareness in the society about
persons with disabilities by-
(i) initiating and maintaining effective public awareness
campaigns designed to-
(aa) nurture receptiveness to the rights of persons
with disabilities;
(bb) promote positive perceptions and greater social
awareness towards persons with disabilities;
and
(cc) promote recognition of the skills, merits,
abilities and contribution of persons with
disabilities to the workplace and the labour
market;
(ii) fostering at all levels of the education system,
including children of early age, an attitude of respect
for the rights of persons with disabilities;
(iii) encouraging all organs of the media to portray
persons with disabilities in a manner consistent
with this Act; and
(iv) promoting awareness and training programmes
in relation to persons with disabilities and their
rights.

in a manner consistent
with this Act; and
(iv) promoting awareness and training programmes
in relation to persons with disabilities and their
rights.

PART III
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT
8.–(1) There is established a Council to be known as the
National Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities. (2) All members of the Council other than the Chairman
shall be appointed by the Minister. Establishment of
National Advisory
Council

th Disabilities. (2) All members of the Council other than the Chairman
shall be appointed by the Minister. Establishment of
National Advisory
Council

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
196
(3) The Commissioner shall be the officer incharge of the day
to day functions of the Council and head of the Secretariat. 9.

[CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
196
(3) The Commissioner shall be the officer incharge of the day
to day functions of the Council and head of the Secretariat. 9.

The functions and powers of the Commissioner shall be to-
(a) maintain the Register of persons with disabilities;
(b) register and maintain a Register of settlements for
persons with disabilities;
(c) determine the form and entries to be included in the
registers;
(d) suspend or revoke registration of settlements for
persons with disabilities;
(e) order re-accommodation of persons with disabilities to
any institution with suitable facilities;
(f) issue licence for settlement for persons with disabilities;
(g) monitor funds disbursed by the Council;
(h) coordinate the works of authorised officers;
(i) direct, order and receive quarterly report from the
organisations of, and for person with disabilities;
(j) submit periodic reports to the Council;
(k) inspect facilities providing services to persons with
disabilities for the compliance of the provisions of this
Act;
(l) enter into any premises for the purpose of investigating
the compliance of this Act; and
(m) carry out any other duty as may be directed by Minister
or the Council. 10.

mises for the purpose of investigating
the compliance of this Act; and
(m) carry out any other duty as may be directed by Minister
or the Council. 10.

The objectives of the Council shall be to-
(a) promote the implementation and the equalisation of
opportunities for persons with disabilities;
(b) advise on the impact of policies and programmes
designed for equality and full participation of persons
with disabilities;
(c) advocate for, and promote effective service delivery and
collaboration between service providers and persons
with disabilities;
Functions
and powers
of Commissioner
Objectives
of Council

service delivery and
collaboration between service providers and persons
with disabilities;
Functions
and powers
of Commissioner
Objectives
of Council

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.197
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
(d) advise on the enactment of laws and the reviewing
of existing laws with a view to complying with the
equalisation of opportunities; and
(e) encourage best practices in the treatment of persons
with disabilities in all aspects of life. 11.–(1) The Council shall be composed of-
(a) a Chairman to be appointed by the President;
(b) a representative of the Attorney General;
(c) a representative from Ministries responsible for-
(i) health;
(ii) local government authorities;
(iii) public service management;
(iv) community development;
(v) labour; and
(vi) education;
(d) a representative of the Association of Tanzania
Employers;
(e) a representative from the apex organisation of persons
with disabilities;
(f) one member from the Commission for Human Rights
and Good Governance; and
(g) five other members to be appointed by the Minister
from organisations of persons with disabilities. (2) The Commissioner shall be the Secretary to the Council.

r members to be appointed by the Minister
from organisations of persons with disabilities. (2) The Commissioner shall be the Secretary to the Council.

(3) The Council may co-opt any person during its meetings
for purposes of giving advice on any matter which is the subject
of consideration. (4) Matters relating to tenure of office, meetings and other
procedural matters of the Council shall be as set out in the
First Schedule to this Act. 12.–(1) The functions of the Council shall be to-
(a) act as national advisory body through which the
needs, problems, concerns, potentials and abilities of
persons with disabilities can be communicated to the
Government and its agencies, for action;
Composition
of Council
Functions
of Council

abilities of
persons with disabilities can be communicated to the
Government and its agencies, for action;
Composition
of Council
Functions
of Council

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

2023]
198
(b) advise the Minister on matters relating to care and
maintenance of persons with disabilities;
(c) advocate for the promotion of, and the encouragement
of activities undertaken by institutions, organisations
and individuals for the promotion and development of
programmes and projects designed to improve the lives
and situations of persons with disabilities;
(d) advise on possible measures to prevent discrimination;
(e) advise on preparation of code of conduct for effective
implementation of relevant provisions of this Act;
(f) recommend ways and means of controlling the
unnecessary increase of persons with disability in
Tanzania;
(g) advise the National Electoral Commission on how
persons with disabilities can fully participate and
benefit in elections;
(h) advise on the establishment of a data base for
keeping records of persons with disabilities and their
institutions, and in this respect seek the assistance of
the Commissioner in relation to registers and other
statistical data of persons with disabilities;
(i) endeavour to secure the reservation of casual and
contractual positions in the private and public sectors
for persons with disabilities;
(j) recommend exemption and reliefs for persons with
disabilities to the Government;
(k) monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act in
relation to the Convention on the Rights of the Persons
with Disabilities; and
(l) perform any other functions relating to implementation
of this Act as the Minister may determine.

the Rights of the Persons
with Disabilities; and
(l) perform any other functions relating to implementation
of this Act as the Minister may determine.

(2) Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (1), the
Council may advise the Government on -
(a) formulation of programmes which may secure the
education and social integration and inclusion of persons
with disabilities;

se the Government on -
(a) formulation of programmes which may secure the
education and social integration and inclusion of persons
with disabilities;

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.199
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.199
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

2023]
(b) all matters relating to the promotion of the welfare of
the persons with disabilities;
(c) co-ordination of policies, programmes and the provision
of grants relating to the persons with disabilities;
(d) the promotion of the collection and dissemination of
information relating to programmes, services, facilities,
goods, housing and accommodation for persons with
disabilities and the maintenance of inventories thereof;
(e) the training or facilitation of the training of persons
such as councilors and administrators who shall carry
out programmes for the vocational rehabilitation of
persons with disabilities;
(f) prevention of discrimination against persons with
disabilities resulting from or arising out of their
disabilities;
(g) provision of assistive devices, appliances and other
equipment to persons with disabilities;
(h) provision of tax exemptions to importers of appliances
and other equipment for use of persons with disabilities;
(i) provision of any international treaty or agreement
relating to the rights of persons with disabilities and its
benefits to the country; and
(j) any other matters relating to the promotion and
protection of the rights and development of persons
with disabilities.

enefits to the country; and
(j) any other matters relating to the promotion and
protection of the rights and development of persons
with disabilities.

13.–(1) The sources of funds for purposes of operations of the
Council shall be-
(a) moneys to be appropriated by the Parliament; and
(b) any other funds legally acquired. (2) The report of the Council shall be laid by the Minister
before the National Assembly. 14.–(1) There shall be in every-
(a) village or Mtaa, a Village Committee or a Mtaa Committee;
(b) Council, a Council Committee; and
(c) region, a Regional Committee. Sources of funds
of Council
Village, Mtaa,
Council, District
and Regional
committees

uncil, a Council Committee; and
(c) region, a Regional Committee. Sources of funds
of Council
Village, Mtaa,
Council, District
and Regional
committees

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
200
(2) The composition, functions and proceedings of-
(a) the Council Committee shall be as set out in the Second
Schedule;
(b) the Regional Committee shall be as set out in the Third
Schedule; and
(c) the Village Committee or Mtaa Committee shall be as
set out in the Fourth Schedule and Fifth Schedule to
this Act. PART IV
INTEGRATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
15.–(1) Every person with disability shall be assisted by his
local government authority, relative, disability organisations,
civil society or any other person to live as independently as
possible and be integrated in the community. (2) A person with disability shall not be forced to live in
an institution or in a particular living arrangement including
settlement for persons in need of special protection.

ty shall not be forced to live in
an institution or in a particular living arrangement including
settlement for persons in need of special protection.

(3) The Minister shall, in consultation with the Council,
make regulations and take other effective measures as may be
necessary to enable and support persons with disabilities to
live as independently and fully integrated in the community,
including-
(a) provision of equal opportunity for every person with
a disability to choose his place of residence and living
arrangements, in accordance with any relevant laws;
(b) community services for the general public are available
without discrimination to persons with disabilities and
are responsive to their basic needs; and
(c) accessibility to a wide range of community based
rehabilitation and inclusion services such as in-
house, residential and other community support
services, including personal assistance, sign language
Living
independently
and being
included in
community

e, residential and other community support
services, including personal assistance, sign language
Living
independently
and being
included in
community

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.201
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
interpretation, necessary to support living and
integration in community access to information about
available support services, and to prevent community
from disability based discriminations. 16.–(1) Every relative of a person with disability shall have an
obligation to provide social support to such person. (2) Where there is more than one relative of a person with
disability, the relatives shall be under collective obligation to
provide the social support to such person. 17.–(1) Where it is established that a relative neglects to
provide reasonable social support to a person with disability
the court may, on the application of either the person with
disability or a legal representative, order the relative to make
monthly payments of such sum as it may deem fit. (2) The court may, and by an order, vary or discharge any
previous order made under subsection (1).

e
monthly payments of such sum as it may deem fit. (2) The court may, and by an order, vary or discharge any
previous order made under subsection (1).

(3) Where the court makes an order under subsection (1), it
may order the relative to secure to the satisfaction of the court,
monthly payment to the person with disability and may for
that purpose give directions. 18.–(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of subsection
(2), where a person with disability has no relative who can
provide for him or due to the nature of his disability needs to
be admitted to the settlement and he consents to live in such
settlement, he may, subject to the provisions of this Act, be
admitted in the settlement. (2) A person with disability other than a person provided
under subsection (1), shall apply in person or through his
representative duly appointed by him, to the Council, local
government authority or respective settlement for consideration
to be admitted in a settlement for persons with disabilities,
provided that-
Obligation to
provide social
support
Failure to provide
reasonable social
support
Settlement for
persons with
disabilities

isabilities,
provided that-
Obligation to
provide social
support
Failure to provide
reasonable social
support
Settlement for
persons with
disabilities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
202
(a) the person applying is a person with disability within
the meaning of this Act;
(b) the person applying has no relative who can provide for
him; and
(c) owing to special circumstances, the local authority in
which he is ordinarily resident cannot facilitate for his
social support. (3) The Minister may, after consultation with the Council
and by regulation, prescribe conditions for admission of persons
with disabilities in settlements. 19.–(1) The Minister shall, in consultation with the Council
and relevant Ministers, formulate programmes in order to
secure integral and inclusive social development of persons
with disabilities including their vocational training and
rehabilitation. (2) The programmes provided in subsection (1) may also
provide for shelter, employment, marketing, accessibility and
innovation.

g and
rehabilitation. (2) The programmes provided in subsection (1) may also
provide for shelter, employment, marketing, accessibility and
innovation.

PART V
SUPPORT SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT
AUTHORITIES
20.–(1) A local government authority shall have the duty to
safeguard and promote the rights and welfare of a person with
disability within its area of jurisdiction. (2) The social welfare officer in the local government
authority shall exercise his functions in relation to the rights
and welfare of persons with disabilities and, can be assisted by
such officers of local government authority as the authority
may determine. (3) The local government authority through a social welfare
officer shall provide counseling to parents, guardians, relatives
Formulation
of programmes
Duty of local
government
authorities to
safeguard persons
with disabilities

vide counseling to parents, guardians, relatives
Formulation
of programmes
Duty of local
government
authorities to
safeguard persons
with disabilities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.203
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
and persons with disabilities for the purpose of reducing or
removing the degree of stigma among them. (4) The local government authority shall, within its area of
jurisdiction, be required to provide assistance to persons with
disabilities in order to enable them develop their potential,
empowerment and self reliance. (5) Every local government authority shall have the duty to
keep and maintain a Register of people with disabilities and
submit particulars therein to the Commissioner. 21.–(1) It shall be the duty of any member of the community
who has evidence or information that rights of a child with
disabilities are being infringed or that a parent, a guardian or
relative having custody of a person with disabilities who is able
to, but refuses or neglects to provide the right to play, medical
care, leisure and education to report the matter to the local
government authority as well as to any other relevant authority
of the area.

ay, medical
care, leisure and education to report the matter to the local
government authority as well as to any other relevant authority
of the area.

(2) The social welfare officer may, upon receiving the report,
summon the person against whom the report was made to
discuss the matter and the decision shall be made by that officer
in the best interest of person with disability. (3) Where the person against whom the report was made
refuses to comply with the decision made under subsection
(2), the social welfare officer shall refer the matter to the court
which shall hear the matter and in that respect order the parent,
guardian or relative to execute a bond to exercise proper care
and guardianship by signing and undertaking to provide a
person with disability with any or all of the requirements. (4) Procedure for handling any matter under subsection (2)
and (3) shall be as prescribed in the Law of the Child Act. 22.–(l) Every local government authority may, where necessary,
either alone or in collaboration with any person, establish,
operate, manage or maintain settlement and services for the
protection of persons with disabilities. Duty to report
infringement
of rights of child
with disabilities
Cap. 13
Responsibility of
local government
authorities

of persons with disabilities. Duty to report
infringement
of rights of child
with disabilities
Cap. 13
Responsibility of
local government
authorities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
204
(2) Where a local government authority or any institution
identifies a person with disability who has no relative to provide
for his social support and who is ordinarily resident in the area
of its jurisdiction, it shall take care of such person. PART VI
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES AND SETTLEMENTS
23.–(1) The Commissioner shall, after consultation with
the Council, establish and maintain a Register of persons with
disabilities and settlements to be known as the Persons with
Disabilities Register. (2) Entries and other alterations in the Register shall be
made in such a manner as the Commissioner may, determine. (3) The Register established under subsection (1) shall only
be used for identification and other statistical purposes. 24. A person with disability shall not remove his name from the
Register while he is still with the disability.

cation and other statistical purposes. 24. A person with disability shall not remove his name from the
Register while he is still with the disability.

25.–(1) A person shall not establish, operate, manage or
maintain a settlement for persons with disabilities unless such
settlement has been registered. (2) A person who intend to establish, operate, manage or
maintain a settlement for persons with disabilities shall apply
to the Commissioner for registration of such settlement. (3) Upon application for registration of premises as a
settlement for persons with disabilities, the Commissioner
may cause an inspection to be made to such premises. (4) Except as otherwise provided for under this section, a
person shall not establish or maintain settlement for persons
with disabilities except under and in accordance with a licence
issued by the Commissioner. Register
Removal from
Register
Requirement
of registration
of settlement
for persons with
disabilities

ance with a licence
issued by the Commissioner. Register
Removal from
Register
Requirement
of registration
of settlement
for persons with
disabilities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.205
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
PART VII
HEALTH CARE, EDUCATION,
REHABILITATION AND EMPLOYMENT
26.–(1) Every person with a disability shall have the right
to enjoy the attainable standard of health care services without
any discrimination. (2) Every health facility whether public or private shall not
deprive a person with disability the right to health care service
and shall take all reasonable and necessary measures to ensure
access for such person to health services.

disability the right to health care service
and shall take all reasonable and necessary measures to ensure
access for such person to health services.

(3) Every health facility, public or private shall-
(a) provide persons with disabilities with the same level
and standard of health and rehabilitation services as
provided to other citizens, including health counseling,
reproductive health, family planning, prenatal and
postnatal child care and other general public health
services;
(b) make available basic facilities essential for health and
rehabilitation services needed by persons with disabilities
in their respective locations; and
(c) provide all health and rehabilitation personnel, with
an appropriate education and training to increase their
knowledge, disability sensitive awareness and respect for
the rights, dignity and needs of persons with disabilities,
in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

ability sensitive awareness and respect for
the rights, dignity and needs of persons with disabilities,
in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

(4) The Minister shall, after consultation with the Council,
ensure that-
(a) a code of ethics for public and private care, which
promotes quality care, openness and respect for the
rights, dignity and autonomy of persons with disabilities,
is put in place and ensure that the service and conditions
of public and private health care and rehabilitation
facilities are well monitored in that respect;
(b) the health and rehabilitation services provided to
persons with disabilities, and disclosure of information
Health care and
rehabilitation

espect;
(b) the health and rehabilitation services provided to
persons with disabilities, and disclosure of information
Health care and
rehabilitation

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
206
in that regard is made only after the person concerned
has given his free and informed consent, and that health
and rehabilitation professionals inform the persons
with disabilities of their rights;
(c) encourage development of sufficient numbers of health
and rehabilitation professionals at all levels including
persons with disabilities, covering all disciplines needed
to meet the health and rehabilitation needs of such
persons and ensure that they have adequate specialised
training; and
(d) promote effective participation and empowerment
of persons with disabilities and their organisation in
planning, delivering, monitoring and evaluation of
health and rehabilitation services. (5) A person with disability shall be entitled to provision of
effective medical care and measures that prevent occurrence of
impairment which may cause permanent functional limitation
or disability.

provision of
effective medical care and measures that prevent occurrence of
impairment which may cause permanent functional limitation
or disability.

(6) A person with disability shall be entitled to receive
appropriate information related to health in the accessible
formats. (7) It shall be an offence under the provisions of this Act
to deny or discriminate against any person with a disability in
relation to access of health care and rehabilitation. 27.–(1) Persons with disabilities in all ages and gender shall
have same rights to education, training in inclusive settings and
the benefits of research as other citizens. (2) Every child with a disability shall-
(a) have equal rights in relation to admission to the public
or private schools; and
(b) attend an ordinary public or private school except
where a need for special communication is required. (3) A child provided for in subsection (2)(b) shall be
provided with appropriate disability related support services
Education and
training for
persons with
disabilities

d for in subsection (2)(b) shall be
provided with appropriate disability related support services
Education and
training for
persons with
disabilities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.207
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
or other necessary learning service from a qualified teacher or
a teacher assigned for that purpose. 28.–(1) Every learning institution shall be under the general
obligation not to discriminate against persons with disabilities. (2) Discrimination shall be implied where an institution-
(a) refuses or fails to accept to admit such person on grounds
of his disability;
(b) gives terms and conditions on which it is prepared to
admit such a person because of his disability;
(c) denies or limits any person with disability access to any
benefit provided by that learning institution;
(d) expels a student or pupil with disability on the grounds
of his disability;
(e) discriminates against the person in any other way on
the grounds of his disability; or
(f) construct or adapt a school and infrastructures that are
not user friendly. 29.–(1) Every manager or owner of a learning institution shall,
in respect of admission, take into account the special needs of
persons with disabilities.

(1) Every manager or owner of a learning institution shall,
in respect of admission, take into account the special needs of
persons with disabilities.

(2) A person who owns or establishes a special school for
persons with disabilities shall provide adequate facilities for
such purposes
(3) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (2), special
schools shall be for transitional period towards inclusive
schools. 30.–(1) The Minister shall, in consultation with the Council,
make regulations prescribing industrial rehabilitation courses
for persons with disabilities on or above the age of sixteen
years in order to render them fit for employment or work on
their own or for making use of vocational training courses. (2) The industrial rehabilitating course provided for under
subsection (1) shall consist of facilities where such persons
may, under adequate medical supervision and circumstances
Prohibition of
discrimination
in learning
institutions
Facilities for
special schools
Industrial
rehabilitation

medical supervision and circumstances
Prohibition of
discrimination
in learning
institutions
Facilities for
special schools
Industrial
rehabilitation

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
208
conducive to the restoration of fitness, obtain physical
training exercise and occupation conducive to the evaluation
of functional level, and such other incidental facilities as
may appear to the Minister to be necessary for enabling
persons attending such rehabilitation to obtain full benefit of
the courses. 31.–(1) Every employer, public or private, shall, where there
is a vacant post fit for a person with disability and the person
applies for the vacancy, give the employment to the persons
with disabilities who meet the minimum qualification for such
an employment. (2) The Minister shall, in consultation with the Minister
responsible for labour, make regulations requiring every
employer with the work force of twenty and above to employ
persons with disabilities based on a quota system and to ensure
that three per centum of it constitutes persons with disabilities.

and above to employ
persons with disabilities based on a quota system and to ensure
that three per centum of it constitutes persons with disabilities.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2), the employers shall not
contravene subsection (2) unless the employer can prove to
the satisfaction of the Minister and the Council that-
(a) after reasonable efforts he has failed to find a person
with disability or a qualified person with disability for
that post;
(b) due to the nature of the employment, he could not get
a person with disability with the skills or experience
required;
(c) due to the nature of work or the circumstance of the
working place it may not be possible to employ a person
with disability; and
(d) taking into consideration of the conditions of the
person with disability, he is not or would not be able to
perform the work adequately as required. (4) Every employer shall submit an annual report to the
Commissioner on the employment status of persons with
disabilities employed in his office, workplace, institution
or organisation. Obligation to give
employment

er on the employment status of persons with
disabilities employed in his office, workplace, institution
or organisation. Obligation to give
employment

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.209
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
32. For purposes of maintenance and safeguarding
employment of persons with disabilities, every employer
shall endeavour to maintain employment of the persons with
disabilities on his working place. 33.–(1) An employer shall not treat a person with disability
different from a persons with non-disabilities in relation to-
(a) advertisement of employment;
(b) recruitment of persons for employment;
(c) offering terms or conditions of employment;
(d) creation, classification or abolition of jobs or posts;
(e) determination or allocation of wages, salaries, leave or
accommodation, and any other similar benefits;
(f) training, advancement, apprenticeship, transfer,
promotion or retrenchment;
(g) provision of facilities related to or connected with
employment; and
(h) provision of any other benefits or other matters related
to employment. (2) A public or private organisation which advertises any
employment shall encourage persons with disabilities to apply.

atters related
to employment. (2) A public or private organisation which advertises any
employment shall encourage persons with disabilities to apply.

(3) An employer who discriminates against any person with
a disability in relation to employment commits an offence and
on conviction, shall be liable to a fine of two million shillings
or imprisonment for a term of two years or to both. 34.–(1) It shall be a duty of every employer to-
(a) take necessary measures to improve work environment
to prevent injuries and impairment;
(b) provide job accommodation and provision of working
tools;
(c) ensure safe and healthy working conditions for all
employees with disabilities;
(d) protect employees with disabilities from harassment;
Continuance
of employment
for persons with
disabilities
Prohibition
of discrimination
in employment
Working
environment

disabilities from harassment;
Continuance
of employment
for persons with
disabilities
Prohibition
of discrimination
in employment
Working
environment

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
210
(e) permit employees with disabilities to exercise their
labour and trade union rights in accordance with any
relevant laws; and
(f) enable employed persons with disabilities to have
effective access to general, technical and vocational
guidance and continuing training for their carrier and
advancement. (2) The Minister shall ensure-
(a) the promotion of employment for persons with
disabilities by applying affirmative action treatment;
(b) job retention and return to work for any employee who
has obtained disability in a workplace; and
(c) reasonable changes is provided to persons with disabilities
in the work place. PART VIII
ACCESS TO BUILDINGS, SERVICES,
INFORMATION AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
35.–(1) The Minister shall, in consultation with the Minister
responsible for buildings and as far as practicable, ensure
that every public building and other buildings which provide
services to the public are accessible to all persons with disabilities.

acticable, ensure
that every public building and other buildings which provide
services to the public are accessible to all persons with disabilities.

(2) The Minister shall, in consultation with the Council,
prepare regulations prescribing accessibility of public buildings
for the purpose of giving guidance to public and private bodies. (3) Every public or private body shall comply with the
regulations to such extent as is practical and in particular, shall
do so-
(a) at the time of the construction, material alteration or
extension of a public building; or
(b) if by doing so, access to public buildings would be
provided to a greater number of persons with disabilities
in a more cost effective manner than would otherwise
be the case. Access to public
buildings

provided to a greater number of persons with disabilities
in a more cost effective manner than would otherwise
be the case. Access to public
buildings

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.211
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
(4) A public building shall be brought into compliance with
accessibility requirement under this part. (5) The Minister may, in consultation with the Council and
by order, exempt any building from the conditions provided
under this section. 36.–(1) Where a service is provided by a public body, the head
of the body shall-
(a) ensure that the provision of access to the service by
persons with disabilities and non disabled persons is
integrated; and
(b) where appropriate, ensure the availability of persons
with appropriate expertise and skills to give advice to
the body on means of ensuring that the service provided
by the body is accessible to persons with disabilities. (2) Each head of a public body referred to in subsection (1)
shall, where necessary, authorise at least one of his officers to
provide, arrange or coordinate the provision of assistance and
guidance to persons with disabilities in accessing its services. 37.

of his officers to
provide, arrange or coordinate the provision of assistance and
guidance to persons with disabilities in accessing its services. 37.

Where a service is provided by a public body, the head
of the body shall ensure that the service is also accessible to
persons with disabilities. 38.–(1) Where a public body communicates with one or more
persons, the head of the body shall ensure that where the
communication is-
(a) an oral one, and the person with disability has a hearing
impairment and so requests; or
(b) a written one, and the person or persons aforesaid have
a visual impairment and so requests,
as far as practicable, the contents of the communication shall
be communicated in a form that is accessible to the person
concerned. (2) Where a public body communicates in electronic form
with one or more persons, the head of the body shall, as far
as practicable, ensure that the contents of the communication
Services provided
by public body
Accessible
services
Access to
information

shall, as far
as practicable, ensure that the contents of the communication
Services provided
by public body
Accessible
services
Access to
information

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
212
are accessible to persons with visual impairment to whom
adaptive technology is available. (3) The head of a public body shall, as far as practicable,
ensure that, information published by the body, which
contains information relevant to persons with intellectual
disabilities, is in a clear language, legible and easily understood
by such persons. 39. The head of a public body shall, as far as practicable, ensure
that the whole or part of a heritage site or tourism facility or
activity to which the public has access is accessible to persons
with disabilities in accordance with this Act. 40.–(l) The Minister shall cause the Council to prepare and
submit to him a Code of Practice for public bodies relating to
the matters referred to in sections 35 to 39. (2) In preparing a Code of Practice under subsection (1),
the Council shall consult with relevant Ministries or any other
person as it may considers appropriate or as the Minister
may direct.

subsection (1),
the Council shall consult with relevant Ministries or any other
person as it may considers appropriate or as the Minister
may direct.

(3) The Minister may, after consultation with the Council,
amend a Code of Practice. (4) The Code of Practice prepared under this section shall
be published in the Gazette. 41.–(1) The Minister shall ensure that all relevant Ministries
prepare and publish “Sectoral Plans” outlining the programme
of the measures proposed to be taken by or on behalf of the
Ministries responsible for matters relating to the provision
of services to persons with specified disabilities or by public
bodies or other persons in relation to which performs functions
or allocates funds. (2) Before publishing a Sectoral Plan under subsection (1),
the relevant Ministries shall consult with representatives of
persons with disabilities. (3) The Sectoral Plan prepared under subsection (1) may be
amended, replaced or revoked. Accessibility
of persons with
disabilities to
heritage and
tourism sites
Preparation of
Code of Practice
Responsibilities
of certain
Ministers

evoked. Accessibility
of persons with
disabilities to
heritage and
tourism sites
Preparation of
Code of Practice
Responsibilities
of certain
Ministers

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.213
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
(4) The Sectoral Plan shall contain-
(a) appropriate information concerning Code of Practice
and relations, if any, relating to the subject matter of
the Plan;
(b) complaints procedure to be provided by a public body
or by other persons in relation to any matters which are
the subject matter of the Plan;
(c) monitoring and reviewing procedures in relation to
subject matter of the Plan;
(d) a statement of the intervals at which reports shall
be prepared relating to the progress made in the
implementation of the Plan, being intervals of not
more than three years from the date of the publication
of the Plan;
(e) where appropriate, the level of access relating to the
services specified in the Plan; and
(f) such other matters as the Minister concerned may
consider appropriate.

te, the level of access relating to the
services specified in the Plan; and
(f) such other matters as the Minister concerned may
consider appropriate.

(5) Where an accessible public transport service and
associated buildings and infrastructure are required by a
Sectoral Plan to be provided in a specified date and the
specified date is later than the date which would otherwise
apply by virtue of section 35, the buildings or infrastructure
may be provided at any time before the specified date. (6) For the purpose of this section “Sectoral Plan” shall
provide for matters specified in section 42 to 46. 42.–(1) A Sectoral Plan prepared by the Minister responsible for
community development shall contain information-
(a) concerning services provided by or on behalf of the
Minister to persons with disabilities;
(b) the criteria governing the eligibility of such a person to
services of community development;
(c) the proposed arrangements for the implementation;
(d) arrangements for cooperation by the civil societies and
development partners; and
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible
for community
development

(d) arrangements for cooperation by the civil societies and
development partners; and
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible
for community
development

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
214
(e) any other matters as the Minister may consider
appropriate. (2) A Plan referred to in subsection (1) shall provide for
appropriate cooperation by the Minister with the Ministry
responsible for education, vocational training, information,
sports and culture in relation to development and coordination
of services provided by them for persons with disabilities and
services referred to in subsection (1). 43.–(1) A Sectoral Plan prepared by the Minister shall contain
information relating to-
(a) advice and advocacy services and sign language
interpretation services provided or arranged to be
provided to the persons who need such service;
(b) any other services provided by or on behalf of the
Minister which he considers appropriate; and
(c) any other matters as the Minister may considers
appropriate.

services provided by or on behalf of the
Minister which he considers appropriate; and
(c) any other matters as the Minister may considers
appropriate.

(2) A Plan referred to in subsection (1) shall provide for
appropriate co-operation by the Minister with all stakeholders
in relation to the development and coordination of services
provided by, or for persons with disabilities and services
referred to in subsection (1). 44. A Sectoral Plan prepared by the Minister responsible for
buildings shall contain information relating to-
(a) a programme of projected measures for the provision of
access to persons with disabilities to passenger transport
services for the general public, provided by a public
body in relation to which he performs functions or by
a person licensed or regulated by the Minister;
(b) measures to be taken for the purpose of facilitating
access by persons with disabilities to such services and
the time within which such measures are to be taken;
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible for
health and social
welfare
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible
for buildings

such measures are to be taken;
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible for
health and social
welfare
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible
for buildings

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.215
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
(c) arrangements proposed to be put in place by the
Minister and the Minister responsible for environment,
settlement and local authorities to facilitate access to the
vehicles providing transport services by such persons
on public roads;
(d) measures to be taken by the operators of passenger
ships for the purpose of facilitating access by persons
with disabilities to marine passenger transport services
provided by them, and the time within which the
measures are to be taken;
(e) measures to be taken by the bodies responsible for the
control and operation of specified ports and harbours
for the purpose of facilitating access by those persons
to places therein, where such services originate or
terminate in and time within which such measures are
to be taken; and
(f) any other matter which the Minister may consider
appropriate.

s originate or
terminate in and time within which such measures are
to be taken; and
(f) any other matter which the Minister may consider
appropriate.

45.–(1) A Sectoral Plan prepared by the Minister responsible for
local government shall contain information relating to-
(a) measures to be taken to facilitate access by persons
with disabilities to public roads and other public places,
and to other services provided by local authorities or
other public bodies in relation to which he performs
functions and the time proposed within which such
measures are to be taken;
(b) arrangements proposed to put in place by the Minister
and the Minister responsible for infrastructure to facilitate
access to the vehicles providing passenger transport
services by such persons on public roads;
(c) accommodation for persons with disabilities;
(d) proposed arrangements for co-operation with authorities
relating to settlement in relation to development and
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible for
local government
authorities

peration with authorities
relating to settlement in relation to development and
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible for
local government
authorities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
216
coordination of services provided by them to persons
with disabilities; and
(e) any other matters which the Minister may consider
appropriate. (2) In this section “public place” includes-
(a) street furniture, pavements and pedestrian zones;
(b) public parks and open spaces owned or maintained by
a local authority;
(c) signage; and
(d) harbours, bus and rails stops for which a local government
authority is responsible, but does not include a public
building under section 29 to which section 30 of this
Act applies.

or which a local government
authority is responsible, but does not include a public
building under section 29 to which section 30 of this
Act applies.

46.–(1) A Sectoral Plan prepared by the Minister responsible for
labour, employment, youth and persons with disability shall
contain information relating to-
(a) employment support services and programmes made
available to persons with disabilities in accordance with
National Policy on Disability, employment promotion
policy, labour laws and labour standards as may be
recognised by the United Republic;
(b) a programme of the measure proposed to be taken
for, and in relation to the provision of appropriate
vocational training and employment support services
to facilitate the integration of persons with disabilities
into employment;
(c) measures to be taken to review the delivery of such
training and services, and the time within which such
review is to be carried out;
(d) any other measures to be taken to ensure effective
provision of such training and services; and
(e) any other matters which the Minister may consider
appropriate. (2) A Plan referred to in subsection (1) shall provide
for appropriate cooperation by the Minister with other
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible
for labour and
employment

in subsection (1) shall provide
for appropriate cooperation by the Minister with other
Sectoral Plan
by ministry
responsible
for labour and
employment

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.217
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
stakeholders in relation to the development and coordination
of services related to the aforementioned services provided by
them to persons with disabilities. 47.–(1) The Commissioner or the Committee may, on its own
motion or where a person aggrieved or a legal representative
lodge a complaint relating to -
(a) deprivation of rights of persons with disabilities; or
(b) non-implementation of laws, guidelines or instructions
made or issued by the Minister for the welfare and
protection of rights of persons with disabilities. (2) Without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (1),
the complainant or a person with disability may, by himself or
through a legal representative, lodge a complaint to any public
body. (3) Except as otherwise provided for under any other
written law, the Minister shall make regulations prescribing
procedures for handling complaints.

(3) Except as otherwise provided for under any other
written law, the Minister shall make regulations prescribing
procedures for handling complaints.

48.–(1) All persons with disabilities shall be entitled to a
barrier free and disability friendly environment to enable them
to have access to public premises and facilities for public use,
roads, communications and other social amenities to assist
and promote their mobility. (2) Architects, construction engineers and other persons
who are involved in design and construction of the physical
environment shall observe and comply with accessibility
requirements to ensure that all new buildings, roads, play
grounds, transport facilities and renovation of the old ones,
conforms to designs aimed at creating access for persons with
disabilities. (3) The Minister shall, in consultation with the Ministers
responsible for roads and road traffic, make regulations for
prescribing road signs for persons with disabilities and for
better implementation of this section. Complaint
Barrier free
movement

ke regulations for
prescribing road signs for persons with disabilities and for
better implementation of this section. Complaint
Barrier free
movement

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
218
49.–(1) The Minister may, after consultation with the
Council and Ministers responsible for buildings, transport,
communications and sports, make standards and guidelines
on accessibility by persons with disabilities in relation to
transport services, buildings for public use, stations and
platforms, services, sports and other recreational activities. (2) The information service and documentation shall be
made accessible to different group of persons with disabilities
in such form as-
(a) braille, tactile services and large print;
(b) spoken information and appropriate technologies and
sign language; and
(c) computerised information. (3) Any plan for any premises or amenities approved after
the commencement of this Act under the Town and Country
Planning laws, shall provide facilities that are accessible to
persons with disabilities.

fter
the commencement of this Act under the Town and Country
Planning laws, shall provide facilities that are accessible to
persons with disabilities.

(4) The Minister shall, in consultation with Council and by
regulations, set up a monitoring and enforcement mechanism
to ensure compliance with the prescribed standards and
guidelines on accessibility requirements for persons with
disabilities throughout the country. 50. It shall be an offence for a person with a disability by reason
of his disability, to be denied-
(a) admission into any premises to which members of
public are ordinarily admitted;
(b) access to any building providing public service, roads,
transport and other indoor and outdoor facilities
including school, housing, banks, medical facilities,
sport facilities and work places;
(c) the provision of any service ordinarily provided to
members of the public; or
(d) access to public facilities, services, information and
communication including new information and
communication technologies, and systems open or
provided to the public both in urban and rural areas. Standards and
guidelines on
accessibility
Prohibitions
of denial public
premise

systems open or
provided to the public both in urban and rural areas. Standards and
guidelines on
accessibility
Prohibitions
of denial public
premise

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.219
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
PART IX
PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES IN POLITICAL AND PUBLIC LIFE
51.–(1) Every person with disability who has attained the
age of eighteen years and above shall be entitled to enjoy and
exercise political rights and opportunity as any other citizen
without any form of discrimination. (2) Subject to subsection (1), a person with a disability
shall have a right to vote, hold public office and otherwise
participate in the political rights and opportunity as any other
citizen without any form of discrimination.

to vote, hold public office and otherwise
participate in the political rights and opportunity as any other
citizen without any form of discrimination.

(3) The Minister shall, after consultation with the Council
and National Electoral Commission-
(a) ensure that the right and opportunity for persons with
disabilities to vote and be elected in public office is
guaranteed by-
(i) ensuring that voting procedure, facilities and
materials are appropriate and accessible to
understand and use;
(ii) ensuring that voter registration locations are
accessible to persons with disabilities;
(iii) ensuring that all polling places in each voting
centre have accessible requirements to voters with
disabilities including accommodation of voters
who use wheelchairs and devices for persons with
low vision and tactile ballot templates for visually
impaired and deaf blind persons;
(iv) providing training for poll workers on the rights of
persons with disabilities and the practical means
of assuring their rights;
(v) ensuring that voters with disabilities have the same
degree of information available when casting their
ballot as others;
(vi) encouraging and providing reasonable
accommodation to persons with disabilities to
Participation
of persons with
disabilities in
political and
public life

uraging and providing reasonable
accommodation to persons with disabilities to
Participation
of persons with
disabilities in
political and
public life

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E.

2023]
220
stand for elections, and to hold office and perform
all public functions at all levels in the Government;
(vii) the free expression of the will of the persons with
disabilities as electors, and where necessary, at
their request, allowing assistance in voting by a
person of their own choice;
(viii) setting up criteria and procedures to be applied
in appointing qualified persons with disabilities
to be elected or be appointed to represent persons
with disabilities in all decision and policy making
process during the elections, through affirmative
action or special prescribed arrangements;
(b) promote actively an environment on which persons
with disabilities can effectively and fully participate in
the conduct of public affairs without discrimination
and encourage their participation in the public affairs
including-
(i) participation in non-governmental organisations
and association concerned with public and political
life of the country including the activities and
administration of political parties; and
(ii) forming and joining organisations of persons with
disabilities to represent their interest at all levels.

dministration of political parties; and
(ii) forming and joining organisations of persons with
disabilities to represent their interest at all levels.

(4) Where a voting place under this section is inaccessible to
persons with disabilities, alternative location shall be identified
and publicised to be used by such persons. (5) The Government shall initiate and encourage appointment
of persons with disabilities in the organs of the Government at
all levels. 52. The Minister shall, after consultation with the Council
and the Minister responsible for sports and culture, take
appropriate measures to-
(a) encourage and promote the participation of persons
with disabilities in sports activities at all levels;
(b) ensure that persons with disabilities have an opportunity
to organise, develop and actively participate in sports
Sports recreation
and leisure

s;
(b) ensure that persons with disabilities have an opportunity
to organise, develop and actively participate in sports
Sports recreation
and leisure

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.221
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
and recreational activities specific for persons with
disabilities;
(c) urge the provision of appropriate instruction, training and
resources for their sports and recreational activities;
(d) encourage persons with disabilities so as to have access
to sports and recreational and tourism venues; and
(e) ensure that children with disabilities have equal access
to participate in play, recreation, leisure and other
sports activities. 53.–(1) A person with disability shall be entitled to take part
like any other citizen in cultural life in the society without
discrimination. (2) The Government shall, in collaboration with the civil
societies, take appropriate steps to enable persons with
disabilities to have opportunity to develop and utilise their
creative, artistic and intellectual potentials for their own
benefit and for the enrichment of the society.

e opportunity to develop and utilise their
creative, artistic and intellectual potentials for their own
benefit and for the enrichment of the society.

(3) The Minister shall, in consultation with the Council and
the Minister responsible for cultural affairs, take all effective
and appropriate steps to ensure that persons with disabilities-
(a) enjoy access to cultural materials in all accessible formats;
(b) enjoy access to television programmes, films, theatres
and other cultural activities, in all accessible formats;
and
(c) enjoy access to places for cultural performances or
services, including theatres, museums, cinemas, libraries
and tourism services. (4) Sign language, tactile language, white cane and braille
shall be recognised and promoted as official means of
communication. 54.–(1) A person with disability shall, without discrimination on
the basis of his disability, be entitled to social protection. (2) The Minister shall, after consultation with the Council
and the Ministers responsible for labour, employment and
finance, take appropriate steps to ensure that persons with
Participation
in cultural life
Social protection
to persons with
disabilities

ployment and
finance, take appropriate steps to ensure that persons with
Participation
in cultural life
Social protection
to persons with
disabilities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
222
disabilities enjoy access to social security and protection,
including steps to ensure access by persons with disabilities-
(a) to appropriate and affordable services, devices and
other assistance for disability related needs;
(b) in particular the aged and women, to social protection
programmes and poverty reduction strategies; and
(c) to available grants and credit services for income-
generating activities and to public housing programmes,
if resources allow. PART X
PROVISIONS RELATING TO TELEVISION
PROGRAMMES AND TELEPHONE SERVICES
55.–(1) All television stations shall provide a sign language
inset or subtitles in all newscasts, educational programmes
and other programmes covering national events. (2) The Minister may, by order in the Gazette, set a period
during which the requirements under subsection (1) shall be
complied with. 56.

nal events. (2) The Minister may, by order in the Gazette, set a period
during which the requirements under subsection (1) shall be
complied with. 56.

All persons providing public telephones services shall,
as far as possible, install and maintain telephone devices or
units for persons with hearing disabilities and tactile marks
on telephone sets to enable persons with visual disabilities to
communicate through telephone system. PART XI
FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
57.–(1) There shall be within the office of the Commissioner,
a Fund to be known as the National Fund for Persons with
Disabilities. (2) The sources of the Fund shall be-
(a) moneys appropriated by the Parliament for purposes of
this Fund;
Television
programmmes
Telephone
services
National Fund
for Persons with
Disabilities

moneys appropriated by the Parliament for purposes of
this Fund;
Television
programmmes
Telephone
services
National Fund
for Persons with
Disabilities

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.223
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
(b) fees or any sum that may become payable to the Fund
in the discharge of its functions under this Act;
(c) any moneys legally vested in or accrued to the Fund;
and
(d) any other source legally acquired. (3) The resources of the Fund shall be used in order to-
(a) finance education and vocational training;
(b) finance rehabilitation programme on disability and
matters incidental thereto;
(c) issue grants to associations of persons with disabilities;
(d) support researches on disabilities and other related
matters; and
(e) do any other things necessary in the promotion and
furtherance of objectives of the Fund.

esearches on disabilities and other related
matters; and
(e) do any other things necessary in the promotion and
furtherance of objectives of the Fund.

58.–(1) The National Fund for Persons with Disabilities shall-
(a) keep proper accounts and other records of its transactions
and prepare annual accounts in accordance with generally
accepted accounting practices; and
(b) satisfy itself that all reasonable management measures
have been taken to ensure that resources which are
necessary for achieving its objectives are as far as
possible, obtained, safeguarded and utilised in the most
economic, efficient and effective manner. (2) The Commissioner shall manage the Fund. (3) The accounts of the Fund shall be audited by the
Controller and Auditor-General. (4) The Fund shall, as soon as practicable and after the end
of each financial year, prepare a report on the performance of
its functions during that financial year, and one copy of such
report together with a copy of the audited accounts shall be
submitted to the Minister. (5) The report of the Fund shall be laid by the Minister
before the Parliament. Accounts
and audit

udited accounts shall be
submitted to the Minister. (5) The report of the Fund shall be laid by the Minister
before the Parliament. Accounts
and audit

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
224
(6) The Fund shall, biannual or as the Minister may direct,
submit to the Minister a report on any matter incidental to the
performance of its functions. PART XII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
59.–(1) The Commissioner or an authorised officer may, at all
reasonable time, enter any premises of an employer, institution,
organisation or building for the purpose of inspection and
ensuring compliance with the provisions of this Act. (2) The Commissioner may in writing, appoint any person
to be an authorised officer for purposes of this Act. 60. The Minister may delegate some of his powers to any
government department or any person for the exercise by
that department or person as the case may be, of any powers
conferred on him by this Act. 61.

government department or any person for the exercise by
that department or person as the case may be, of any powers
conferred on him by this Act. 61.

The Minister may, after consultation with the Council,
make regulations prescribing-
(a) application, registration, standards for the establishment
and management of settlements for persons with
disabilities;
(b) early detection, intervention assessment and treatment
of disability;
(c) treatment and medicines for infants and children with
disabilities;
(d) provision of assistive devices;
(e) responsibilities of local government authorities, private
sector, community and other institutions under this
Act;
(f) inclusion of persons with disabilities;
(g) registration of persons with disabilities, employers,
institutions, association and other organisations including
those controlled and managed by the Government and
Power of entry
Delegation
of powers
by Minister
Regulations

ation and other organisations including
those controlled and managed by the Government and
Power of entry
Delegation
of powers
by Minister
Regulations

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.225
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
local government authorities providing services for the
rehabilitation of persons with disabilities;
(h) the manner in which extra time suitable for students
with special needs during examinations shall be given;
(i) standards and code of ethics;
(j) industrial rehabilitation;
(k) co-ordination of services provided to persons with
disabilities;
(l) setting of average number of persons with disabilities
to be employed by every employer;
(m) dispute settlement mechanisms;
(n) treatment and handling of persons with disabilities in
retention homes and prisons;
(o) rights and welfare of persons with disabilities in remands
and prisons;
(p) in collaboration with relevant Ministers, driving and
road safety matters in respect of persons with disabilities;
(q) fees and charges; and
(r) any other matter related to the development, protection
and promotion of welfare and rights of persons with
disabilities. 62.

ees and charges; and
(r) any other matter related to the development, protection
and promotion of welfare and rights of persons with
disabilities. 62.

A person who-
(a) procures or by conduct or causes a person with
disability not to be admitted at any place;
(b) discriminates a person with a disability for whatever
reason;
(c) hides, conceals or causes a person with a disability not
to be accessible to or admitted to schools or training
institutions for whatever reason;
(d) abandons or rejects or denies a person with disability
right to social support;
(e) denies admission of a person with a disability to
heritage sites or any institution;
(f) fails to conduct reasonable inquiry;
Offences
and penalties

) denies admission of a person with a disability to
heritage sites or any institution;
(f) fails to conduct reasonable inquiry;
Offences
and penalties

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
226
(g) objects a lawful order or obstructs any officer or
institution in the performance of its functions;
(h) builds or constructs any public premises without
accessibility of persons with disabilities;
(i) denies participation of a person with a disability in
social, economic and political activities;
(j) fails to provide health care and rehabilitation to a
person with disability;
(k) without good cause, denies employment to a person
with a disability; or
(l) contravenes any provision of this Act,
commits an offence and on conviction-
(i) in case of body corporate, shall be liable to a fine
of not less than two million but not exceeding
twenty million shillings; and
(ii) in case of a natural person, to a fine of not less
than five hundred thousands shillings but not
exceeding seven million shillings or imprisonment
for a term of one year or to both. 63.–(1) [Repeals the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, No. 2 of 1982 and the Disabled Persons (Care and Maintenance) Act,
No.

of one year or to both. 63.–(1) [Repeals the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act, No. 2 of 1982 and the Disabled Persons (Care and Maintenance) Act,
No.

3 of 1982.]
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1), any
subsidiary legislation, permits issued, decisions made, powers
exercised or delegated, appointment made, directions or any
other acts done under the repealed Acts shall continue to be
in force until revoked, replaced or cancelled by subsidiary
legislation under this Act. 64. A person maintaining settlement for person with
disabilities immediately before the commencement of this
Act may continue to maintain such settlement for a period of
two years from the date of such commencement and where
that person has made an application for a licence during the
transition period, the period of two years shall be construed as
extended up to the time when a licence is issued. Repeals
and savings
Transitional
period

sition period, the period of two years shall be construed as
extended up to the time when a licence is issued. Repeals
and savings
Transitional
period

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.227
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
FIRST SCHEDULE
(Made under section 11(4))
TENURE, MEETINGS AND RULES OF PROCEDURE
l.–(1) A member of the Council shall hold office for a period of three
years from the date of his nomination and be eligible for re-appointment
for a second term only. (2) A member may resign his office upon giving one month notice
in writing to the Chairman of the Council. 2.–(1) The Council shall meet quarterly following calendar year and it
may also convene an extra-ordinary meeting when the need arises. (2) All meeting of the Council shall be convened by the Chairman or
Vice-chairman or any other person nominated for that respect. (3) The decisions of the Council shall be determined by the majority
of votes which shall be reached under the secret voting system. 3. The quorum of any Council’s meetings shall be half of the total num-
ber of members including the Chairman and Secretary of the Council. 4. The Council may, for the better carrying of its day to day activities,
make its own rules.

ers including the Chairman and Secretary of the Council. 4. The Council may, for the better carrying of its day to day activities,
make its own rules.

SECOND SCHEDULE
(Made under section 14(2)(a))
COMPOSITION, FUNCTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
OF THE COUNCIL COMMITTEE
1. The Composition of the Council Committee shall be-
(a) the member of the Parliament in the district;
(b) District Executive Director;
(c) the District Medical Officer;
(d) three representatives from the Community;
(e) Council Solicitor;
(f) the District Social Welfare Officer who shall be the Secretary;
(g) Chairman of the Council Social Services Committee;
(h) two representatives from the community of persons with
disabilities; and
(i) one member from the voluntary agency dealing with persons
with disabilities. (2) The Council Committee may co-opt any person to its meeting as
it may deem appropriate. Tenure of office
Meetings
Quorum
Rules and
regulations
Composition

Council Committee may co-opt any person to its meeting as
it may deem appropriate. Tenure of office
Meetings
Quorum
Rules and
regulations
Composition

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
228
2. Functions of the Council Committee shall be to-
(a) implement various directives related to the persons with
disabilities in the districts;
(b) co-ordinate all activities of persons with disabilities in the
district;
(c) protect and promote all matters related to the welfare and
development of persons with disabilities in the district;
(d) receive periodic reports from the Village or Mtaa Committee;
(e) submit detailed quarterly report to the Regional Committee;
(f) receive and determine complaints relating to persons
with disabilities;
(g) keep proper records of the meetings; and
(h) keep statistical data or Register of persons with disabilities in
the Council area.

ith disabilities;
(g) keep proper records of the meetings; and
(h) keep statistical data or Register of persons with disabilities in
the Council area.

3.–(1) The Council Committee shall prepare a report every year to the
Fund through the Regional Committee on issues related to the promo-
tion and protection of rights and development of persons with disabil-
ities, including matters relating to policy, health care and maintenance,
rehabilitation, education, training employment and human rights. (2) The Council Committee may, at any time if it appears to it
desirable, submit to the Fund a special report on matters incidental to
the performance of its functions. 4.–(1) The Chairman of the Council Committee shall be appointed by
the District Commissioner amongst the members. (2) The Vice-Chairman shall be elected from amongst members of
the Committee. 5. Proceedings of the Committee shall, apply mutatis mutandis, to
the Council. 6.–(1) A member of the Committee shall hold office for a period of
three years from the date of appointment and be eligible for re-appoint-
ment for another one term. (2) A member may resign from office by giving one month notice
in writing to the Chairman of the Committee; and where the member
resigning is the Chairman, the notice shall be submitted to the District
Commissioner. 7.

iting to the Chairman of the Committee; and where the member
resigning is the Chairman, the notice shall be submitted to the District
Commissioner. 7.

The quorum of the Committee’s meetings shall be half of the to-
tal number of members including the Chairman and the Secretary to
the Committee. 8.–(1) The decisions of the Committee shall be determined by the ma-
jority of votes which shall be reached under the secret voting system and
in case of equality of votes the Chairman shall have a casting or an ex-
tra vote. (2) The decisions of the Committee shall be binding to the parties. Function
Reporting
Chairman
Proceedings
Tenure
Quorum
Decision

or an ex-
tra vote. (2) The decisions of the Committee shall be binding to the parties. Function
Reporting
Chairman
Proceedings
Tenure
Quorum
Decision

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.229
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
THIRD SCHEDULE
(Made under section 14(2)(b))
COMPOSITION, FUNCTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS
OF THE REGIONAL COMMITTEE
l.–(1) The Regional Committee shall consist of-
(a) the Chairman who shall be appointed by the Regional
Commissioner;
(b) the Regional Administrative Secretary;
(c) three representatives from the community;
(d) a Legal Officer from the Regional Secretariat;
(e) Social Welfare Officer who shall be the Secretary;
(f) Regional Medical Officer,
(g) a member of the Parliament from the region;
(h) three representatives from the organisations of persons with
disabilities; and
(i) one representative from the voluntary agencies dealing with
persons with disabilities in the region. (2) The Committee may co-opt any person to its meetings as it may
deem appropriate. 2.

agencies dealing with
persons with disabilities in the region. (2) The Committee may co-opt any person to its meetings as it may
deem appropriate. 2.

Functions of the Regional Committee shall be to-
(a) ensure realisation of the potential and rights of persons with
disabilities within the region;
(b) support persons with disabilities, their families and organisation
to perform effective planning for poverty alleviation through
income generating activities;
(c) perform monitoring and effective implementation of disability
activities at the regional level;
(d) submit periodic reports containing accurate information and
data relating to conditions of persons with disabilities to the
National Advisory Council;
(e) co-ordinate all activities of the persons with disabilities in
the region;
(f) carry out functions of the Council within the region and protect
and promote all matters related to the welfare and development
of persons with disabilities in the region;
(g) receive periodic reports from the Council Committee;
(h) submit detailed quarterly reports to the Council;
(i) receive and determine complaints relating to persons with
disabilities;
Composition
Functions

h) submit detailed quarterly reports to the Council;
(i) receive and determine complaints relating to persons with
disabilities;
Composition
Functions

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
230
(j) keep proper records of the meetings; and
(k) keep statistical data or Register of persons with disabilities in
the region. 3.–(1) The Regional Committee shall, every year, prepare a report to
the Council for persons with disabilities on matters relating to policy
issues, health care and maintenance, rehabilitation, education, training,
employment, human rights and other related matters. (2) The Regional Committee may, at any time if it appears to
it desirable, submit to the Council, a special report on any matter
incidental to the performance of its functions. 4.–(1) The Chairman of the Regional Committee shall be appointed by
the Regional Commissioner. (2) The Vice-Chairman shall be elected from amongst members of
the Committee. 5. Proceedings of the Committee shall, apply mutatis mutandis, to
the Council. 6.–(1) A member of the Committee shall hold office for a period of
three years from the date of his nomination and shall be eligible for
re-appointment for another one term.

Committee shall hold office for a period of
three years from the date of his nomination and shall be eligible for
re-appointment for another one term.

(2) A member may resign his office by giving one month notice in
writing to the Chairman of the Committee; and in case is the Chairman
resigning shall, in writing, give one month notice to the Regional
Commissioner. 7. The quorum of the Committee’s meetings shall be half of the to-
tal number of members including the Chairman and the Secretary to
the Committee. 8.–(1) The decisions of the Committee shall be determined by the ma-
jority of votes which shall be reached under the secret voting system and
in case of equality of votes the Chairman shall have a casting or an ex-
tra vote. (2) The decisions of the Committee shall be binding to the parties. FOURTH SCHEDULE
(Made under section 14(2)(c))
VILLAGE COMMITTEE
1.–(1) The Village Committee shall be composed of the following mem-
bers:
(a) Village Chairman;
(b) Village Executive Officer, who shall be the Secretary to the
Committee;
Reporting
Chairman
Proceedings
Tenure
Quorum
Decision
Compositions,
functions, tenure
and reporting
of Village
Committee

e Secretary to the
Committee;
Reporting
Chairman
Proceedings
Tenure
Quorum
Decision
Compositions,
functions, tenure
and reporting
of Village
Committee

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.231
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
(c) a representative of extension Workers;
(d) Chairman of the Village Social Services Committee;
(e) a teacher,
(f) three representatives from organisation of persons with
disabilities;
(g) a representative from each hamlet (kitongoji); and
(h) two representatives from the Community. (2) The committee may co-opt any person to its meetings as it may
deem appropriate. 2.

et (kitongoji); and
(h) two representatives from the Community. (2) The committee may co-opt any person to its meetings as it may
deem appropriate. 2.

Functions of the Village Committee shall be to -
(a) ensure realisation of potential and rights of persons with
disabilities within the village area;
(b) support persons with disabilities, their families and organisations
to perform effective planning for poverty alleviation through
income generating activities;
(c) keep proper records of the meetings;
(d) keep statistical data or Register of persons with disabilities in the
village area;
(e) perform monitoring and effective implementation of various
activities and directives related to persons with disabilities at the
village level;
(f) coordinate all activities of person with disabilities in the village; and
(g) protect and promote all matters related to the welfare and
development of persons with disabilities in their village. 3.–(1) The Committee shall quarterly prepare and submit a report to
the Council Committee on matters relating to the welfare and develop-
ment of persons with disabilities. (2) The Ward Executive officer shall be entitled to a copy of the
said report. 4.–(1) The Chairman of the Committee shall be appointed by the Dis-
trict Commissioner amongst members.

hall be entitled to a copy of the
said report. 4.–(1) The Chairman of the Committee shall be appointed by the Dis-
trict Commissioner amongst members.

(2) The Vice-chairman shall be elected from amongst its members
of the Committee. 5.–(1) A member of the Committee shall hold office for a period of
three years from the date of his appointment and shall be eligible for
re-appointment for another one term. (2) A member may resign from office by giving one month notice
in writing to the Chairman of the Committee; and where a member
resigning is a Chairman, the notice shall be submitted to the District
Commissioner. 6. The quorum of the Committee’s meetings shall be half of the to-
tal number of members including the Chairman and the Secretary to
the Committee. Functions
of Village
Committee
Reporting
Chairman
Tenure
Quorum

e to-
tal number of members including the Chairman and the Secretary to
the Committee. Functions
of Village
Committee
Reporting
Chairman
Tenure
Quorum

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
232
7.–(1) The decisions of the Committee shall be determined by the ma-
jority of votes which shall be reached under the secret voting system and
in case of equality of votes, the Chairman shall have a casting or an ex-
tra vote. (2) The decisions of the Committee shall be binding to the parties. 8.–(1) The Committee shall meet quarterly following the calendar year
and it may also convene an extra-ordinary meeting when the need arises. (2) All meetings of the Committee shall be convened by the Chairman
or Vice- Chairman or any other person appointed for that respect. 9. The Committee may, for the better carrying out of its day to day ac-
tivities, make its own rules.

or any other person appointed for that respect. 9. The Committee may, for the better carrying out of its day to day ac-
tivities, make its own rules.

FIFTH SCHEDULE
(Made under section 14(2)(c))
MTAA COMMITTEE
l.–(1) The Mtaa Committee shall be composed of the following
members:
(a) Mtaa Chairman;
(b) Mtaa Executive Officer who shall be the Secretary to the
Committee;
(c) Chairman of the Mtaa Social Services Committee;
(d) a teacher;
(e) three representatives from organisation of persons with disabilities;
and
(f) two representatives from the community. (2) The Committee may co-opt any person to its meetings as it may
deem appropriate. 2.

h disabilities;
and
(f) two representatives from the community. (2) The Committee may co-opt any person to its meetings as it may
deem appropriate. 2.

Functions of the Mtaa Committee shall be to-
(a) ensure realisation of potential and rights of persons with
disabilities in the mtaa area;
(b) support persons with disabilities, their families and organisations
to perform effective planning for poverty alleviation through
income generating activities;
(c) keep proper records of the meetings;
(d) keep statistical data and Register of persons with disabilities in
the mtaa area;
(e) perform monitoring and effective implementation of various
activities and directives related to persons with disabilities at
the mtaa level;
(f) coordinate all activities of person with disabilities in the mtaa;
and
Decision
Meeting
Rules
Compositions
functions, tenure
and reporting of
Mtaa Committee
Functions

ctivities of person with disabilities in the mtaa;
and
Decision
Meeting
Rules
Compositions
functions, tenure
and reporting of
Mtaa Committee
Functions

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.233
THE PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACT [CAP. 183 R.E. 2023]
(g) protect and promote all matters related to the welfare and
development of persons with disabilities in the Mtaa. 3.–(1) The Committee shall on quarterly basis prepare and submit a re-
port to the Council on matters relating to the welfare and development of
persons with disabilities. (2) The Ward Executive Officer shall be entitled to a copy of the said
report, if any. 4.–(1) The Chairman of the Committee shall be appointed by the Dis-
trict Commissioner. (2) The Vice-Chairman shall be elected from amongst its members
of the Committee. 5.–(1) A member of the Committee shall hold office for a period of
three years from the date of his appointment and be eligible for re-ap-
pointment for another one term. (2) A member may resign from office by giving one month notice
in writing to the Chairman of the Committee; and where a member
resigning is a Chairman, the notice shall be submitted to the District
Commissioner.

e
in writing to the Chairman of the Committee; and where a member
resigning is a Chairman, the notice shall be submitted to the District
Commissioner.

6.–(1) The Committee shall meet quarterly following the calendar year
and it may also convene an extra ordinary meeting when the need
arises. (2) All meetings of the Committee shall be convened by the Chairman
or Vice-Chairman or any other person appointed for that respect. 7. The quorum of the Committee’s meetings shall be half of the to-
tal number of members including the Chairman and the Secretary to
the Committee. 8.–(1) The decisions of the Committee shall be determined by the ma-
jority of votes which shall be reached under the secret voting system and
in case of equality of votes the Chairman shall have a casting or an ex-
tra vote. (2) The decisions of the Committee shall be binding to the parties. 9. The Committee may, for the better carrying out of its day to day ac-
tivities, make its own rules. Reporting
Chairman and
Vice-Chairman
Tenure
Meetings
Quorum
Decision
Rules

©2025 Government of Tanzania. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or distributed without permission of OAG.