Prizes were presented today in the Accessibility A + Award Scheme, which was launched by the Parliamentary Secretariat for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing and the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government.

Twenty Six Councils took part in the competition, Hal Qormi Local Council, was the winner of this year’s A+ Accessibility Scheme. Xaghra Local Council was in second place and Sliema Local Council came third. The awards were made during a ceremony at Ta ‘Mena Estates in Gozo.

In the words of the Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing Justyne Caruana “this Government is committed in working towards the agenda of the disabled. Local Councils are surely an important partner in this work especially with regard to accessibility and inclusion – which is the main objective of this award.”

Dr Caruana said it is important for Malta to continue to strive and improve both the social inclusion of people with disabilities in the community and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities themselves so that they have fewer obstacles in daily life.

She said that accessibility and social inclusion are two main pillars in the National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was launched on the day dedicated to the Disabled, “and it is therefore important that these two points also be implemented on a local basis.”

Dr Caruana said. “The Government has several ongoing projects in aid of people with disabilities in Gozo, which is why the ceremony was held today in Gozo.” She mentioned the important measures announced in the budget relating to employment for disabled persons in Gozo.

The Parliamentary Secretary also announced the project of a Learning Hub for Persons with a Disability in Gozo, “this will be the first project of its kind and the works will start in the coming days.”

She also mention the Concert being held on Sunday at the Aurora Theatre with Winter Moods and Friends, when this popular group will be accompanied by the talent of several local disabled people. This inclusive concert for persons with disability, will also incorporate presentation of The Premju Socjetà Gusta – Fair Society Awards, under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, the President of Malta.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Local Government Stefan Buontempo said the Government believes in the needs of every member of our communities, including people with disabilities.

He added that, it believes in the abilities and not on the disabilities, “so we launched this scheme in February in order to encourage Local Councils to be proactive in the area of accessibility to every member of their community, because we believe that everyone should have the same opportunity to enjoy their location in the best possible way.”

Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo said that it was done to give more visibility and at the same time recognising those Local Councils that were proactive and worked to increase accessibility with projects in their localities.

“Projects to enhance accessibility in their own communities, while directly implementing one of the largest cries of this Government in the area of Local Governance, Local Councils that are getting close to people; close because this Government believes that adequate accessibility to every member of society leads directly to strengthening the idea of a community that everyone has a right to be actively part of.

Parliamentary Secretary Buontempo said it is important that all Local Councils continue to work to further improve the accessibility in locations, including pavements without obstacles, street furniture to help and not hinder access and improvements to the entrances of businesses, among others.

Permalink: Xaghra Council placed 2nd in A+ Accessibility Awards, winner is Qormi Council