The Persons with a disability policy document drafted by the government is to be issued next week, Parliamentary Secretary Justyne Caruana said this morning.

Speaking during an award ceremony held for fifty eight students with a disability at MITA this morning, the government’s information technology arm, Dr Caruana emphasized that that the document focuses on empowerment.

She said that it is concerning to note that persons with a disability are at a disadvantage when it comes to accessibility to ICT.

The ceremony was held by the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA), who together with its partners, including the Education Directorate and Mcast, ran a pilot project delivering ICT training courses as part of its goal to address the digital divide and promoting opportunities to improve the quality of life of persons with a disability.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo meanwhile said that 21st century Malta should switch from the culture of charity to one that implements the rights such persons should enjoy.

Mr Bartolo also said that it is vital such courses are accredited since this would help persons with a disability find a job.

Michael Micallef, FITA officer in charge of evaluating ICT Accessibility Certification, he himself a blind person, said how ninety five per cent of persons with a disability can use a standard computer but five per cent rely on special software and equipment.

“However, all of them depend on technology products and services being designed to be accessible, otherwise all the equipment and training courses become futile, if the services still cannot be used independently,” he said.