An accessibility issue within establishments and cultural events is present and prevents people with a disability from being able to access such places, according to Agenzija Sapport.

Speaking to The Malta Independent, a spokesperson from the agency that pushes to improve the lives of individuals with a disability said that such limitations are hurdles which come in the way of social inclusion.

When asked what type of hurdles people with disabilities face when it comes to socialising, the agency said, “one of the major hurdles that people with disability face when attending social activities in the community is being accepted for who they are by their peers and the general public. Lack of tolerance and understanding from others often causes lots of pain to persons with disability which may lead to isolation.”

“Furthermore, there is an issue of accessibility with establishments and cultural events which further increase the problem. These realities prevent people with disability from living a full life,” they added.

In 2016, the number of persons registered on the National Registry of Persons with Disability in Malta stood at 17,451, according to a report by the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability issued earlier this year.

This newspaper spoke to Michelle and Louisa Bonnici, sisters of a 24-year-old woman with down syndrome, about the struggle linked to inclusion, and how a project aimed in creating social activities for persons with disabilities is trying to change that.