Dr. Justyne Caruana, Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing and Mr. Robert Cutajar, Shadow Minister for the Elderly, presided the Foundation for ICT Accessibility (FITA) AGM 2016 which was hosted by MITA at Gattard House this week.

A number of past and present FITA clients, delivered a short speech describing their experience using FITA’s services. Some used assistive technology in order to do so, thus putting their newly acquired skills and abilities into practice. The client groups, also included Mr. Philip Chircop who represented the Nanniet Malta Foundation.

Mr. Michael Micallef and Mr. Stanley Debono delivered short presentations describing the progress and achievements over the past fifteen years. Mr. Debono also mentioned upcoming initiatives and asked disability organisations and other stakeholders to partake in the discussion.

“Disabled persons may need assistive technology in order to empower them to access information, but it is providers of goods and services who can enable them to reap the benefits, by making small changes to provide more accessible venues and products,” he said.

The FITA AGM is an annual occasion where the Foundation reviews the work it is carrying out together with stakeholders and partner organisations. At the event were also present Mr. Joseph Camilleri, Ms Anne McKenna and Mr. Carmelo Formosa from MITA, who played a key role in setting up FITA back in 2001.

Mr Cutajar encouraged FITA and other NGOs to work more closely with the local councils, in order to reach out to the different communities.

Dr Caruana commended FITA on its work among persons with disability and the elderly, stating that “within the international scenario, Malta’s work on ICT accessibility, stands out as an example of good practice.”

Justyne Caruana promised closer collaboration with FITA, so that more synergy can be created through important life changing schemes run by her Ministry through SAPPORT.

Ms. Maria Mercieca, who chaired the event thanked partner organisations and speakers for their ongoing support and contribution toward’s FITA’s goals. She promised that their feedback will continue to be an important criterion when establishing the way forward for FITA’s future initiatives.

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