On 4 February, the Movement in Favour of Rights for Persons with a Disability (MFRPD) attended the forum “Residential Homes and Services in the Community for Persons with Disability”, organised by the Malta Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disability in collaboration with the Kummissjoni Pastorali Persuni b’Dizabilita`.

Ms Anne Marie Galea Naudi, chairperson of this forum, introduced the main speaker Mr M. Pisani, chief operations, Agency Support, who gave a clear review of both residential and community services offered by the agency. He also spoke about its present situation and the problems being encountered. Agency Support forms part of the Foundation for Welfare Services, which falls under the Family and Social Solidarity Ministry.

The non-governmental organisations were represented by Mr R. Galea from Dar il-Wens, Fr A. Seychell from the Foundation Dar Nazareth and Mr Anton Vella from Dar Zernieq. Their presentations were about the residential services offered to persons with disability by their respective organisations.

The Movement greatly appreciates the work done by all these and particularly by the Agency Support whose budget is derived from the public taxes. Mr Pisani stated that the Agency needs more funding in order to be able to offer better services for more persons with disability. The long waiting list of persons with disability who need such services offered by Agency Support but who are unable to access these services due to lack of funding and of personnel is a real fact. This issue ought to and must be addressed immediately so as to enable persons with disability live a decent life after losing their loved ones.

The Movement sadly notes that the services offered by the Agency Support are directed towards persons with disability who require extensive support. Persons with a disability who only need minimal help are not being catered for by the Agency. Presently such persons with disability who are in need of shelter end up in Mount Carmel Hospital or in a home for the elderly.

We are of the opinion that the minister concerned, or his/her representative, should attend such forums/seminars. These activities are a good means of consultation with the stakeholders concerned. The absence of such representatives during the first part of this forum was clearly noted and was brought to the attention of the chairperson.

The MFRPD encourages the more frequent organisation of such forums/seminars, in order that an awareness about the situation being faced by all persons with disability, be raised. This effort is necessary to push forward and finally achieve better results for the benefit of persons with disability without any exclusions.

G. Zerafa, A.M. Galea Naudi, P. Portelli, M. Mugliette f/ MFRPD

Birkirkara