Empowerment for employment

The government strongly believes that the needs of people with disabilities should be reflected in the rights these people deserve and which we never stop enshrining within our laws and within the Maltese and Gozitan communities.

Ensuring these rights through all the legislative force we have been committed to implement entails listening and understanding through the many consultation processes we have led all throughout. My Parliamentary Secretariat for the rights of people with disability strives to go way above and beyond the usual idea of support, but towards the wider concepts of inclusion and accessibility for everyone in society and, particularly in the workplace, and through this, empowerment, rather than merely support, of people with disabilities.

European endorsement

it was a great pleasure on Wednesday to open an important conference with Maltese and European delegates hosted by the Maltese Federation of Organisations – People with Disability, on their almost 47 years of sterling service they have been giving to Maltese society. The European Union of Supported Employment and the European Disability Forum senior officials were amongst the distinguished delegates debating a theme that is very close to my heart.

As the government, we not only share the goal of making supported employment for people with a disability a reality, but are proud that all this emanates from the very pre-set policies and targets within the clear mandate given four years ago. Not only that, but our government – through my Parliamentary Secretariat for the rights of people with disability – strives to go way above and beyond this towards the wider concepts of inclusion and accessibility for everyone within society, and particularly at the workplace, and through this, empowerment rather than merely support, of people with disabilities.

We are aware of the challenges, and the Labour government has worked to tackle these challenges head-on during these last four years, both through legislation and state policy, as well as through partnerships with civil society. We are creating a silent revolution in Malta and Gozo in the civil rights field, not least within the disability sector and we are also working incessantly to bring our values in this area into the European sphere, not least during our current stint as holders of the Presidency of the Council of the EU. In this we are currently chairing work on dossiers with full commitment to the Proposed European Accessibility Act, the Marrakesh package and the Equal Treatment directive.

The European disability strategy 2010-2020 also mandates commitment in the employment sphere and while we will continue to push for more action at European level, we would like to share our vision and model at the domestic level, mostly under our own steam, and partially in tandem with European funding mechanisms.

Empowerment is a must

One of the principal efforts of the government in securing empowerment has been, and will continue to be, securing a just legal basis underpinning all the initiatives related to disability rights in Malta. Thus, Malta has become one of the only countries in the world to incorporate the UN CRPD directly into its legal system, embodying the full range of fundamental human rights.

Although we still aim to continue building on what has been achieved so far, we have made huge leaps forward in the field of securing equal employment rights for everyone. The first step in empowering people with a disability in the employment sector is ensuring that they have access to the labour market. However, the focus should not always be on how much of a helping hand these people need in order to be on an equal footing with their non-disabled peers.

While learning skills is definitely important, and while reasonable accommodation is equally a legal right of this sector of our society, making sure there are jobs for them to access is a fundamental prerequisite. During the past four years, training towards employability has proved to be the right path, with encouraging success for hundreds of people with a disability who have now achieved an independent lifestyle. We also value the multiplier effect that this new reality has had on their immediate families. All these concepts fall within the government’s commitment to the building and sustaining of a fair society.

Only when these prerequisites have been secured, can the necessary training and adaptation processes be sustained, as a bridge to actual employment placement, and continued support thereafter.

Success spurs us on

Towards this aim, an important initiative was the activation of a provision on our employment-related laws, which had been dormant for decades. The government targeted employers in the private sector with specific incentives so that those adhering to the disabled employee quotas laid down in legislation would benefit from tax credits and exemptions from national insurance contributions, which are instead met by the state. This has brought about a considerable increase of hundreds of people with disabilities joining the labour force.

The situation may not be ideal, but it is a balanced and fair way forward in the current circumstances. We have also incentivised people with a disability themselves, through specific measures encouraging them to join the country’s workforce. The financial, fiscal and social initiatives introduced by the government during its first four years in office have proved most beneficial in this direction, based on the strong economy that we have achieved and constantly secured. The existing cap on disability pensions was removed, so that now such payments no longer vary according to whether or not a person receives earnings from gainful employment above the national minimum wage.

The Għajnsielem learning hub itself is proof of putting all hands on deck in one place, on the part of various entities, for people with disability to have full exposure to a training and working environment. Partnership between the state and civil society, including NGOs, has never been so evident and successful as it has been in recent years.

The results are there for all to see and admire, although it will never be enough. Our policies and strategies are an ongoing process and guide us towards further goals. Only this way can we ensure a level playing field and equality of opportunity and equity for all.

Governments lead and implement, but not without the continuous support of so many who are the immediate stakeholders within this sector – based on rights, and never again on commiseration, mere assistance or management by crisis. The Maltese government is fully aware of its call to share with all other member states within the EU, more so during this current period of Malta’s Presidency. Challenging as it may be, leading through being optimistic and exemplary is our way forward.

Another first in Gozo

A concept I have always pursued is to encourage Gozitan societies to fully participate in national projects in the elderly and disability sectors. I am amazed at the enthusiasm shown by various NGOs, the Church, local councils and other entities to take up my invitation to be part of the whole national and local community in support of the government’s constant efforts towards accessibility and social inclusion. Partnership between my Parliamentary Secretariat and these entities has been proof of various benefits for many Gozitans who have now seen on the island for the first time a wide range of services nearer to home.

I have so far succeeded in implementing such projects jointly with the local councils of San Lawrenz, Xewkija, Sannat, Għarb and others, as well as various schools, band and football clubs and other long-established entities in village communities. Many of them have made their premises and services available to older people and those with disabilities.

Encouraged by such fruitful partnerships, yesterday I launched another pilot project, this time with Gozo premier football league club Xewkija Tigers. Our aim is to have people of all ages and abilities able to access all amenities and activities and share sports experiences, thus acquiring a sense of belonging in an inclusive community. In addition, Xewkija Tigers FC’s players will be sporting on their shirts our motto in favour of social inclusion for everyone.

These are all very worthwhile initiatives that bring so many people together in cherishing what both Maltese and Gozitan communities should embrace in a fair society and promoting it for many others to be aware of and join in the national effort. Accessibility is the major step towards greater equality among us, irrespective of our various abilities!