Gozo should not attempt to follow Malta’s model but should come up with its own plan, specific to its needs, said CRPD Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan at a conference in Gozo.

The conference, titled ‘A Stronger Voice for Disability,’ was held at the Arka Foundation in Ghajnsielem, and followed in the wake of another conference with the same theme, which was held in Malta last week.

Both conferences focused on the need for NGOs and DPOS in the disability sector to work closer together so that persons with disability can have a stronger and more cohesive voice.

The CRPD explained that one of the main outcomes of the conference was that rather than trying to make sure that Gozo receives exactly the same services as Malta, ”we should work to come up with a plan specifically for Gozo, tailored to its needs and considering intersectionality. Otherwise there is a risk of making the same mistakes.”

Ms Maryrose Attard, a person with disability and disability rights activist mentioned an example of a programme which, she said, did not work out well in Gozo because of poor uptake. Other challenges she said, include ”lack of services in Gozo; the stigma surrounding disability; physical accessibility; and lack of suitable premises.”

During the conference, NGOs and DPOs working in the disability sector in Gozo were invited to participate and voice their opinions and ideas.

Ms Pace Gasan also mentioned that CRPD would like to strengthen its presence in Gozo as part of its internal strategy for the next few years.

She added that, for the past months, she has been meeting the various NGOs and DPOs individually, to identify common issues and concerns, including Gozitan organisations.

”Persons with disability living in Gozo have a double insularity issue; we want to make sure that they have access to the services they need, when they need them,” she said.

Ms Pace Gasan also spoke about CRPD’s role as the national regulatory body for disability in Malta and Gozo in relation to NGOs and DPOs. She said that investigating reports on behalf of persons with disability who feel discriminated against on the basis of disability is the core work of CRPD.

She appealed to the NGOs and DPOs present to flag their issues with the Commission so that the investigations team could intervene on their behalf.

Screenshot CRPD Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan

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