It all starts when the new parents are given the news that their newborn has a disability. That's when the journey of all the family begins, especially for the newborn – from birth through adulthood.

For the past six years the Down Syndrome Association has been asking the local authorities and high persons in authority to acquire premises where our adult children who have an intellectual disability can meet up socially and enjoy themselves like their mainstream peers.

We had been continuously asked by the authorities concerned to identify the place. Finally, when we managed to do so, our choices have been repetitively refused mainly for "business intentions".  Having an intellectual disability does not mean that this person is a second class citizen and so business comes before his/her needs and rights. It does not mean that s/he cannot go out and socialise in a "safe environment" adapted to his/her needs. Unfortunately this is the message being sent when the persons in authority are preferring to try and lease out  the vacant places for business purposes then making one place available to be converted into a leisure club for adult persons with intellectual disability.

The Maltese islands have come a long way in the disability sector and a lot has been done. However, it is imperative that a location is identified where adult persons with intellectual disability can socialise with peers without being subjected to pressure from people around them to act in a "normal" fashion! Having such a place, these persons will be able to enjoy its environment without any intimidation. This goes a long way in helping them to gain self esteem and to be able to move on and integrate in society. Our children are very sensitive of their surroundings and need a place where they can express themselves without being looked down at, pointed at, gossiped about and taken for a ride or bullied.  It will definitely be a step in the right direction to offer these persons a place where they can be themselves and interact in a way that can enhance their social skills in any way they please under watchful supervision.

A leisure club will realise our dream and our adult children's wishes. They want to live an independent life and a leisure club with the right environment for them is part of this.

We publicly ask the authorities concerned to listen to our adult citizens who have Down syndrome and to all the other persons with intellectual disability who have been asking for a leisure club to socialise with their peers in a place of their choice. They are fed up of having to stay at home during the weekend or else to go out with their parents.

Some might remark that this is segregation. Whoever states this is wrong! These persons are asking for a choice where to socialise with their friends, something which is still missing. Give them a choice!

Anna Farrugia

PRO

Down’s Syndrome Association