Parents of disabled persons express concern about hub concept introduced by government

The National Parents Society of Persons with Disability (NPSPD) said it is concerned with the newly proposed hub for persons with disability concentrated in one area and would like to have more detailed information.

In a statement, the NPSPD said that for the last four decades, it has always been in the forefront of promoting a more inclusive environment for persons with disability and their families.

Inclusion is about being provided with all the opportunities to be fully active and have the opportunities to participate in all activities. Since people with disabilities all have diverse needs, they should all be given the opportunity to choose how to address these needs according to the United Nations Convention.

The society said that funds should be provided to local councils to address and provide opportunities for disabled persons in their locality for community participation including facilities for socialising, organising cultural activities and providing accessible leisure, sport and educational opportunities on an equal level as provided to other members of the community.

The work of parents/carers of persons with disability who cannot be gainfully employed should be recognised by providing them with the financial resources so that their contribution to society is recognised and validated.

There should be full access to all the buildings, including the government buildings, where we need to access our required services, should be provided at the earliest, and go about this need by simply making a one- stop-shop.

The transport system, including affordable private transportation, must be fully accessible, thus allowing full mobility from one place to another, the society said.

The society also called for an increase in the disability pension, currently less than 60% of the minimum wage, to allow a dignified living to those persons with disability who cannot ever have the opportunity to a better quality of life without having to be dependent on their families.

Currently, expenses due to needs of persons with disability who cannot work have to be borne by the parents/relatives at the expense of family needs. It came as a surprise that disability pension has not been increased in the last budget at a time when the Maltese economy is flourishing. Several important short-term needs (excluding the excellent work initiatives for those who can work and the opening of the ten residential homes in the community) are not being met.

Any major decisions being made on behalf of families of persons with disabilities should be made with proper consultation with all the stakeholders. As full participating citizens public consultations must be ongoing with the aim to ensure that all the voices concerned are given credit, the society said.

Persons who are considered as not being “semi-independent” should not be discriminated against and have the same rights as others thus all the necessary resources should be given.

Being part of the community is not just a matter of geography it is also about the attitudes of others and the support given by others in all needs, the society said.