The government has revealed it's National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disability this afternoon, in preparation for a strategy which will be announced in the coming months.

Speaking at the reveal, Social Solidarity Minister Michael Farrugia said that one of the easiest things a government can do is speak and not take action. "This government has proven that it takes action".

The policy is built around giving dignity and autonomy to persons with disability, to help them truly become independent, he said.

"We believe that differences between people should not exist. We are giving wrk to persons with disability, such as 80 who will be working with government in Gozo"

He mentioned the education sector and the importance of inclusion in this regard. Some of the policies regarding education include the recognition of sign language, braille and alternative modes of communication as tools towards achieving better social inclusion in education. It also proposes that all educators have basic sign language skills.

Parliamentary Secretary for Rights of Persons with Disability Justyne Caruana said that "This is a truly important moment and I am happy that today, on the international day for persons with disability, we are here to see this important document launched. This is an important pedestal, an important and ambitious project for a just society".

She mentioned that all stakeholders in the field were consulted.

"Together we identified the needs for this sector. A unique example of collaboration showing we can rise to the occasion for the rights of persons with disability".

"We are developing the concept of a just society. We have the courage to change the attitude of everyone to find their way. We worked for many months to ensure that the basic principles guiding what we are doing will have a national consensus. This is a new era as we are creating opportunities for those who didn't have them before". She mentioned the budgetary proposal that will see persons with disability present on all boards.  

Dr Andrew Azzopardi also spoke, mentioning the importance of independent living.  

"We need to be more sensible towards intimate relations of those with disabilities, and this document tackles that as well as family life".

Chairman of persons with disabilities Oliver Scicluna spoke at the Policy launch, saying that disabled persons have seen a huge leap in their rights over the years, "although I feel we have missed a major step, a policy in this field. This policy speaks about issues such as family life, culture, education etc. and acknowledges that persons with disability are part of society".

"We have been speaking about inclusion for a long time, but I must ask, what is happening to truly include us in society? I believe this policy gives a direction, a strong one."