Alternativa Demokratika recently attended a seminar organised by the Malta Guide Dog Foundation (MGDF) where issues regarding further aims of the MGDF and the current needs of Blind people in Malta were discussed.

Dr. Claire Azzopardi Lane, AD spokesperson on Disability Issues and Sports, said, “The use of guide dogs in Malta is currently being promoted amongst blind people and people who are visually impaired. There are currently 10 guide dog users but the MGDF envisages the need of another 40 to 50 dogs in order to cater for all those who would benefit from this support. MGDF underlined the amount of independence resulting in autonomy and employability people using guide dogs are bound to have.

“The MGDF insisted on the need of further awareness and education about the use of guide dogs amongst people who are visually impaired or blind but also in society. Amongst other issues of prime importance the MGDF underlined the need of legal rights for freedom of movement and the mobility in between countries of guide dogs. MGDF stressed the importance of consistent standards of access laws for guide dog users internationally. Access on public transport, in public and government spaces and in the private sector needs to be recognised on a local basis,” Dr. Claire Azzopardi Lane concluded.

Funding from the EU has been allocated to the Malta Guide Dog Foundation for the next two years. The Malta Guide Dog Foundation aims at increasing its services and further promoting the services of guide dogs amongst visually impaired and blind people.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said, “AD endorses the request of the MGDF and the recently ratified United Nations Convention (Article 9) endorses the right to access. AD in parliament will do its utmost to ensure that the individual rights and independence of people with disabilities are respected and protected.”

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