Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Active Ageing Justyne Caruana addressed a consultation session in Gozo on Saturday to discuss the National Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Dr Caruana said that these sessions are being undertaken to create an effective strategy with clear targets and a concrete action plan to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

She said that the Government is contemplating a plan over the coming years, in order that by working between various Ministries and Parliamentary Secretariats, to strengthen the rights of disabled people while addressing their various difficulties which are encountered daily.

She also spoke about the importance of the contribution of all stakeholders to the consultation because the objectives of the strategy can only be achieved through joint working and collaboration.

The Strategy attempts to address the complex changes that happen between one transition and another in life. Transitions are always difficult and complex but increasingly so if not enough support is provided. The Strategy is based on the fact that every person with disability should lead a confident, enriched life and participate actively in society, politics, culture and economics.

The Malta National Disability Strategy is intended for every person with disability to become an active citizen with the freedom to make choices. The goal of this Strategy is to have better opportunities for people with disabilities in the labour market, improving the educational experience, provide social services in the right formats and focus on emancipating the individual.

In her speech, she mentioned that last year in Gozo there was a complete revolution in this field through new projects in carried out. A Learning Hub was opened that every day accommodates disabled persons for various activities, in a vibrant atmosphere, therefore giving hope to many people.

Dr Caruana said that A Sheltered Employment project is being undertaken in collaboration with the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC), whereby 80 people with various disabilities will be assisted to find employment, and for the first time the Sapport Agency is operating in Gozo, enabling customers to benefit locally from its professional services. IT courses are also available through the Malta Communications Authority.

The Parliamentary Secretary said that in the second phase of the Learning Hub Project, a section for FITA will be opened, and the Commission for the Rights of Disabled Persons have also started operations in Sannat.

She mentioned other projects for the disabled in Gozo, including at the 'Learning Hub' in Ghajnsielem, which has now started sign language training in Maltese for the deaf, the Special Olympics Gozo, and the new KNPD office.

On employment for people with disabilities in Gozo, she said that the first people already identified will begin working with MaltaPost on scanning Government documents.

The Parliamentary Secretary concluded by referring to the second home in the community for people with disabilities in Victoria, where Open Days will be held next week for families of people with disabilities to be able to view the facilities.

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