Parliamentary Secretary hails ‘silent revolution’ in disability sector

The Skills Space for persons with disability in Sliema has been providing assistance through inclusion and basic skills learning since its launch back in March this year.

Nestled between restaurants and coffee shops in Sliema, Aġenzija Sapport, thanks to a government investment, runs a modern building where persons with disability can spend their days taking part in various sessions. Yesterday morning, Parliamentary Secretary for Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, Justyne Caruana, paid a visit to this centre. She explained that this government has managed to carry out a ‘silent revolution’ in the disability sector in Malta.

“Through investment and the introduction of various schemes, the government has managed to reach a record number of persons with disability who require assistance.”

She said that the government’s aim is to promote active citizenship of persons with disability in our society. That is why, PS Caruana explained, persons with disability are encouraged to attend the sessions held at these day community centres.

The Skills Space is run by Aġenzija Sapport, which provides various sessions in learning and physical activity. The government has so far allocated €12 million for the agency and the target is to reach an attendance of around 50 persons with disability.

Dr Caruana explained that the government also allocates €1 million for the residences set up for persons with disability. The Skills Space in Sliema is run through a funding of €750,000. The building is equipped with various facilities, including ‘Independent Rooms’. These rooms are purposefully set up to train persons with disability in acquiring basic skills. For instance, the Independent Living Room is equipped with a dining table, a television set and everything which is normally included in a normal house’s living room. The attendees are thought how to change channels, prepare the cutlery for lunch and dinner, wash their clothes, make their bed and clean the carpets. Similarly, the Independent Kitchen is equipped with a cooker, stove and sink. With the help of signs stuck to every cupboard, attendees learn how to cook and wash the plates.

Dr Caruana said the government is investing millions into this sector. She mentioned the €9 million for a home in Mtarfa, another €15 million for the hub in Naxxar and €2 million for a centre in Gozo. The Parliamentary Secretary said the government has this year allocated a €45 million budget for Aġenzija Sapport.

Volunteers are encouraged to organise sessions at this centre in Sliema. Students can also apply to volunteer through Degree Plus programme.