According to the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act of 2000 (EOA), the Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b’Dizabilità (KNPD) is legally empowered to investigate complaints of discrimination on the basis of disability.
In view of this, KNPD investigated a complaint raised in the article entitled “Disabled man slams airline” which appeared in The Malta Independent on Sunday of 24 June. This article alleged that BritishJET.com imposes extra charges on people with mobility impairment in order to transport wheelchairs.
Under the provisions of the EOA, a service provider cannot discriminate against disabled clients by treating them “less favourably” on account of their disability, or by providing a service of inferior standard, for example by charging extra for impairment-related expenses.
Following discussions between KNPD and BritishJET.com the company stated in writing that it, either under the name of Malta Bargains, or under the name BritishJET.com, does not charge extra for the transport of wheelchairs. KNPD has informed the complainant of the outcome of these discussions and is taking this opportunity of making the information known to the general public.
KNPD is pleased with the outcome of these discussions. It would like to invite service providers to consult KNPD before taking decisions that can potentially be in breach of local legislation. Equally, KNPD would like to encourage disabled persons to be aware of, and insist on, their rights with service providers. When they meet with problems they should immediately refer complaints to KNPD, which in turn is duty-bound to investigate such complaints and try to find an equitable solution.
Since October 2000, when EOA came into force, KNPD has received 576 formal complaints of alleged discrimination on the basis of disability and at present is working on pending complaints.
More information on this legislation can be obtained from the KNPD’s offices on telephone 2148 7789, text telephone 2144 6536, fax 2148 4609, e-mail [email protected] , or from its website: www.knpd.org
Joseph M. Camilleri
Chair
National Commission Persons with Disability