Every year the National Commission of Persons with Disability (KNPD) organises a week of activities to raise awareness about the needs and aspirations of persons with disability. This year this was organised following the international day dedicated to persons with a disability on 3 December. The chosen theme for this year was ‘Living in a complete way in the Community’, with the emphasis falling on the word complete.

Everyone understands and agrees that the place for persons with disabilities is within the community. In order for this goal to be completely met however, I believe everyone needs to chip in their help no matter how big or small.

In this sense it pleases me to be able to say that this year, the Government Property Department (GPD) has contributed in this direction, in order to help persons with a disability live in a complete way in our society. GPD has employed four persons with different disabilities in its different sections.

Work is central to our goal of guaranteeing these persons an appropriate lifestyle. This is not only due to the fact that work provides financial income, hence an element of independence but also because work gives dignity to a person. Work makes a person feel useful, and a needed part of a larger system. This makes the person feel they have a purpose in life, as their work would be appreciated. This leads to a strong identity based on dignity.

There is also the more obvious reason – in order for a person to live a complete life, they need to have financial income. This assures financial independence that allows the person to participate in a complete way within the community without being dependent on those close to them.

On the same lines, the fact that the GPD managed to engage the services of four persons with a disability is a concrete solid action to translate the theme the KNPD chose this year, into action. These four individuals are not only giving an excellent service to the Department, they are also sending a clear message that persons with a disability can make it in the professional world, and be successful. They are showing one and all that they can be independent, from their families and the social services.

This also shows the government’s great commitment to offer equal opportunities to persons with a disability, mainly by providing work opportunities for them. I am convinced that, if more employers both from the private and public sector had to engage more persons with disability within their organisations, we would definitely be on the right track to give these people a complete lifestyle.