It is an undeniable fact that Malta and Gozo are witnessing a silent revolution in the disability sector. We are fast moving from mere tolerance or co-existence to full acceptance and inclusivity. Particularly during the last two years, Malta shifted its focus from simply providing services at residential and community level to introducing a legislative package never witnessed in this sector before, as evidenced by the long list of initiatives taken throughout the last months. 

The way the government has laid out its disability policy, principles and strategy measures is the legacy that is being embedded in our social welfare and legal system. We are making sure that we do not have people with disability who are struggling and pleading for rights. We now have the necessary legislations and structures in place, ensuring the most fundamental of universally designed principles that ensure equity and a fair society for all.

 

Recognition of abilities

We further guarantee that we will have communities that encourage equity and non-discrimination. We assure that our social structures will ensure that the necessary changes are in place and closely monitored. The dignity of each person and the recognition of their abilities and their contribution to society are crucial.

My Parliamentary Secretariat is sharply focused on promoting social cohesion by ensuring that the welfare of all of its members is safeguarded and our efforts are directed at minimizing disparities and avoiding polarisation. The freedom of each individual to pursue their own aspirations remains fundamental in our initiatives. The possibility for each person to participate actively as a full member of society is what we are working to establish. In fact, we compare really well with what other, bigger countries are achieving in our incessant quest for a fair and strong society.

 

The Blue Badge

It may not have been widely publicized, but this week Parliament gave it final unanimous approval on the Blue Badge Law, including the provision of parking concessions to people with disabilities – a law I strived hard to push ahead.  It may be comforting to some who are not ashamed of singing their decades of promises, but it is certainly most satisfying to witness the real thing – superseding lethargy and words by real facts and deeds, which is what our people expect from their government!

There are over 8,000 Blue Badge holders on both islands. For many years benefits deriving from this badge had no specific system to be enforced, giving room to considerable abuses which escalated through the years. Successive administrations were aware of this but nothing was actually done to address the situation. The need for such a law was there for all to see for many years but the bold step to push it ahead was taken by the Labour government.

The new law was drafted by the Parliamentary Secretariat for the Rights of People with Disability, the Ministry for Home Affairs, the National Commission for People with Disability, the Police Force and Transport Malta. It gives the benefit to a person with a disability to park in designated reserved parking spaces, so that s/he can live a more independent life. 

The new bill now lays down the necessary tools for law enforcement, ensuring rights to genuine holders and diminishing abuse as far as possible through hefty fines, comparable to those applied in the EU and other countries. Holders will in fact be entitled to the same benefits in any European city as the new card will have international validity.

 

Instilling inclusivity from early years

In my role within the disability and elderly sectors, I miss no opportunity to look beyond people within both areas to attract and ensure full inclusivity.  Last weekend I launched two educational programmes for the summer holidays that will bring together young Gozitan students and those with disabilities. We aim to follow up the academic year with further revision sessions through games, the use of modern technology and sportive activities in a more relaxed ambience. We further aim to create awareness among young children whose peers have some sort of disability, hence preparing them to a more integrated society as they grow up. 

We had more than 200 applications for both initiatives, with parents showing their appreciation that their children will spend time during their holidays learning and socializing in such a way that ability surpasses various forms of disability. 

 

Awareness via gadgets

Flimkien negħlbu s-sħana (Together we will overcome the heat) is another summer project for the elderly I launched this week. It is meant to encourage senior citizens to be cautious and drink water as a natural way to counterbalance health effects caused by the unbearable heat of summer. The campaign is in the form of a competition with photographs expressing the theme in the social media.

In view of the increasing number of older persons being introduced to technological gadgets and IT training, we have taken this as an opportunity to induce them to use such knowledge and compete using their creative talents by posting the best pictures that depict the recommended precautionary measures to avoid complications resulting from sun exposure and dehydration. The photo’s success will be determined by the amount of ‘likes’ it gets by 9 September, when the person with the best liked photo will be awarded with a tablet as a prize.

Such simple ideas are very meaningful in their own way as they commend the elder’s newly acquired knowledge in accessing the web, combining it to the constant well known health advice of drinking more when the climate turns hot in the summer months. It also encourages imaginative and creative skills in photography that would also rally further support from relatives and friends. All 60+ persons can participate by accessing the specific page Flimkien negħlbu s-sħana on Facebook.

 

Reaching out

Indeed, a politician’s life needs to be fully immersed in society and its social texture.  Over and above my duties with the elderly and persons with disability, I will never in any way ignore the vital threads that weave our society, banking on its resilience.  I may be caught up with planning meetings or drafting new laws, or any other public commitment for that matter, but meeting persons within my care is always most inspiring and encouraging. 

It is not only recognising abilities within disabilities, nor is it admiring the enthusiasm among older persons, that fills my mind and heart at the end of a long day.  It is the privilege of working with them and for them on behalf of the Labour government that motivates me to strive harder.

Through personal experience, active ageing and rights of people with disabilities have in fact a much wider dimension than what one may see at a glance. Both sectors provide an endless opportunity to reach out to the local and national community at large for whom we are committed to lay the solid foundations of a fair society. As a matter of fact, we may not be aware that we are the authors of a silent revolution.