For Christians, Easter is consequential to a long phase of suffering and hardship. For many others, some form of relief and revival would be the final goal after instances of anxiety and distress. In both cases, human suffering – in its many forms – is a common factor. Physical pain, health problems, social exclusion, poverty, injustices and discrimination can harm society at any given time. It is the never-ending battle of instinctive attitudes against rationality. What is worse is that innocent human beings end up in the middle of what has become a global arena that spares no one. 

We consider those in such situations as ‘vulnerable’, an adjective that has been commonly used and over-used by so many for such a long time in the history of mankind to the extent where many have attempted to categorise and seek solutions, while others – many others – have hardly noticed and walked by. History itself is in fact a chronology that narrates such episodes where human nature has miserably failed to be just and fair, or where a few have gained at the expense of many others.  The saintly Mother Theresa puts it in simpler words: human triumph creates victims.    

Individual success – collective effort

It is understandable that, no matter how hard we strive to adopt solidarity measures, different circumstances will always create vulnerability among us. In my book, however – both as a Christian and as a politician – it is my duty to seek solutions in order to substitute the very word ‘vulnerable’ with support and dignity. It is almost humiliating that, after long centuries of what we proudly consider human civilisation, we keep discovering that many challenges still lie ahead. In this day and age of working within the vaster spheres of the global village we still need to recognise that individual success depends on a collective effort.

This particular challenge is at the very core of what the government is doing. In fact at the moment we are finalising the Malta National Disability Strategy which will shortly be subject to a consultation exercise. It is a document that specifies the rights, responsibilities and action prepared by my Parliamentary Secretariat for the rights of people with disability and active ageing in collaboration with The National Commission for People with a Disability and the Focal Point Office. It may sound as if we have set ourselves more work for the Easter holidays but, in reality, it is our remit to ensure that what needs to be done cannot be paused or made to wait.

As pledged, following the launch of the National Policy for the Rights of People with a Disability, which was a first for our country, we are now in a position to present the Malta National Disability Strategy. This strategy will cover all types of impairments and age groups and will seek to address the needs of those with a disability, their families, carers and all other stakeholders.  

Working together – common goal

The Labour government has repeatedly directed its efforts and commitment towards this sector, which can only be achieved if we are working together and in tandem with all interested parties. Once again, this strategy, inspired by the concept of socjeta’ gusta – a fair society – has also been stimulated by the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. It has also drawn together the various stakeholders who have contributed their ideas at all stages of its development. From my own experience, I believe that the success of such a strategy depends on a collective and coherent effort, respect for diversity, developing individualised support planning and striving towards active citizenship.

The Malta National Disability Strategy draws from the National Policy on the Rights of People with Disability launched last year. Whilst the latter’s scope is to provide direction, in the case of the strategy we mean to address those aspirations and provide a national plan that will result in the quality of life of those with disability and their families improving in leaps and bounds. 

The outcome of the strategy can be seen in a number of over-arching themes that have emanated from it, namely issues around choice and control and the importance of providing services that are tailor-made. The support of the family is of the utmost importance and the message that is given in this strategy is that the families of those with a disability need to be provided with all the necessary support.

A strategy for active citizenship

The strategy also attempts to address the complex changes that occur in life between one transition and another. Transitions are always difficult and complex but increasingly so if not enough support is provided. The strategy is based on the fact that every person with a disability should lead a confident, enriched life and participate actively in society, politics, culture and economics.

The various topics and issues dealt with are aligned and spelled out in a holistic series of notions. These include human rights and civil responsibilities, inclusive and accessible communities, learning and training skills, justice and pertinent laws and standards and economic development, together with personal and community support tailored around needs, and not vice-versa.

A vision for a national effort

Our vision is to eradicate poor health, lower levels of participation in education, the lack of training and employment, social exclusion, inaccessibility, bullying, discrimination and poverty. We also intend that, in this sector, the state will have less control over the lives of people with a disability so they will have the ultimate control of the choices they want for themselves.

It is also our vision for this sector to move towards inclusive communities and create the opportunities for people with a disability to develop their own public policy. The strategy we are proposing for public consultation provides a 360° perspective. It is indeed our vision for this sector to mainstream this community – and this has to be a national effort. Over the years we have always seen the general population respect those with a disability by support in a myriad ways. We are at a stage where we need to talk less about ‘disability’ and more about ‘ability’.

A fundamental role of the Malta National Disability Strategy is the active engagement of people with a disability in their own development as people and active citizens. In particular, the strategy will provide opportunities for people with a disability, their families and carers, the policy-makers, service-providers and community operators to work together to ensure that this community can overcome the lack of opportunities. It is an integral part of society and therefore has to be respected as such, which is precisely where the collective mentality and attitudes are pivotal within all levels of expectations.

A fair society in real terms

Facts prove that disability is not homogenous so there cannot be a one-size-fits-all strategy. Matching the person to the right type of service provides satisfaction to those with a disability and avoids a waste of resources. The concept of living and participating in the life of the community is crucial. Whilst there should be guiding principles that underpin a strategy, the government is committed to the concept of a fair society. 

Our role is to provide the required support and facilitate the establishment of services, benefits and provisions to ensure that those with a disability have complete control over their own lives. Families remain the backbone in the disability sector in Malta. Their expertise, commitment and dedication are commendable as they have been pivotal in providing support for people with a disability. This has to be supported and encouraged.

Many may have reflected upon human injustices in the run-up to Easter. This government’s proposal for Malta’s National Disability Strategy ought to be a timely opportunity for us all to further consider how we can best translate today’s festivities into everyday life. A fair society does not need feast days to prove itself!