Alternattiva Demokratika, the Green Party, said it fully supports the proposal of the European Commission to standardize the social benefits for persons with disability in all member states to ensure that such persons do not face additional hurdles when they travel across the different countries of the European Union.

Angele Deguara, Spokesperson for Social Development said, “Persons with disability across the EU are often victims of poverty and social exclusion due to insufficient means which enable them to participate fully in community life, education and employment. In Malta, it is difficult for persons with disability to continue studying beyond compulsory schooling and many are inactive, depending on disability pensions or other benefits for their income.”

“Since benefits and support programmes vary across the EU, persons with disability are not guaranteed a continuation of access to benefits should they move to another country, further exacerbating their social disadvantage. Therefore AD augurs that the goal of the European Commission for a truly barrier-free Europe for persons with disabilities will be reached by 2020.”

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, added, “AD has been making various proposals with regard to persons with disability as we believe in social inclusion, independent living and community participation. Persons with disability, their families and carers, NGOs and experts on disability should be given more voice in social policy.”

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