t sounds even harder to accept that we refer to this suffering on Christmas day. It is however so positive that as a nation we know no limits to human solidarity and the festive season is one special opportunity to convey such feelings to the rest of society. There is no higher satisfaction than sharing our joy with others who, for various reasons, need other people’s support all the year round.
OUR ONGOING MISSION
Life has taught me about many circumstances that lead a person to be vulnerable. My remit as Parliamentary Secretary further convinced me of what human support means for these persons and my call of duty is now a personal mission. During the past week we further implemented additional measures in line with our commitment to serve the nation and, in the first place, those who deserve major support - the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Throughout the year we had embarked on an initiative to reunite older couples, who for health or other reasons had ended up in different homes. It started months ago through one of our public-private partnerships at San Lawrenz home in Gozo. Last Monday it was a real pleasure for me to inaugurate a completely refurbished ward at St Vincent de Paul complex for long-term care, accommodating ten couples who will now live in a homely ambience.
The ward had last been refurbished more than 30 years ago and all services, including electricity and water systems had to be upgraded to bring them up to the best modern standards, with all work – including restructuring and refurbishment – being completed within six weeks. This was only possible because of the full commitment of various sections within St Vincent de Paul. It was indeed overwhelming to witness a real and widespread mobilisation of workers over the past six weeks. Teams of electricians, plumbers, builders, plasterers, painters, woodworkers, aluminum installers, seamstresses and cleaners were ably directed by the management, supported by technical experts.
INSPIRING TEAM AT SVP
With a total expenditure of over €500,000, we now have these couples with a high dependency on long-term care living together and attended by doctors, nurses, carers and other professionals 24 hours a day. The ward features a terrace and roof garden, where residents can spend time with staff or visitors, as well as the inclusion of a kitchenette, a private bathroom and a small living area in each room. Additional service rooms like a central kitchen, sluice room and utilities rooms were installed within the ward.
The aim of the project is to provide a modern care and support environment that was also designed like a traditional house, in a bid to improve the quality of life of elderly couples in the facility. Once again the inaugural itself was a celebration of the hard work put by all concerned who distinguish themselves in great team spirit, rising to the challenge, in addition to their dedicated routine work.
OUR WORK IN THE DISABILITY SECTOR
Two special events over the past week were closely linked to the other important sector I am tasked with as Parliamentary Secretary. In our commitment for persons with disabilities, accessibility is not an option. Full inclusion is at the very heart of our agenda as government and we spare no effort to implement the strategies we have planned for the sector, ensuring that all involved are given the necessary support.
The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility held their annual general meeting on Monday and it was an opportunity to spell out the numerous ways through which the Labour government is realising its constant commitment for and in favour of persons with particular disabilities. We promote and support all efforts into the promotion of ICT accessibility initiatives and services, so as to maximise the number of potential beneficiaries.
Today’s information technology programmes do not only target specific groups of persons with disability, but indeed all members of society who are in contact with persons with disability, whether these are their employees, their clients, friends or family. I had an opportunity to praise FITA’s work in my speeches at the United Nations debates for state parties of the UN Convention for the rights of persons with disability. Accessibility to information technology is crucial for better living in that it provides useful prospects in the fields of education and employment.
Our achievements in the disability sector will further enhance our role during Malta’s Presidency of the EU Council in the coming months. The priority we have given during the past three years to these persons will strengthen our input when discussing the European law about accessibility.
ACCESSIBILITY IN THE TOURISM INDUSTRY
Earlier this year, together with Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis, my Parliamentary Secretariat had organised a national seminar on inclusive tourism. We have this week moved a step further through a very important agreement between the Institute for Tourism Studies and the National Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Serving persons with a disability and making it more accessible for them, will now be part of the ITS curriculum, thus creating more awareness among those operating within the very important tourism and hospitality industry.
It is well known internationally that the elderly and persons with disabilities plan their holidays to places where their rights are secured. We strongly believe that Malta and Gozo can feature successfully in this scenario if we fully understand their aspirations in line also with our innovative policies both were disability and active ageing are concerned.
If providing a holiday service is considered a lucrative business, it is also an opportunity to gain the added value of being more inclusive, hence attracting bigger numbers, showing them respect and hospitality, irrespective of their abilities. Rapid demographic ageing is not only a major societal challenge but also a major opportunity for new jobs and economic growth.
ENHANCING OUR HOLISTIC PRODUCT
Adaptation to an ageing society and the disability cohort requires increased independence, where hobbies and leisure, travelling and transport, accommodation and related services are crucial to effectively support these persons within a real social inclusion. Those aims could be greatly facilitated by better connectedness with peers, carers, employers, medical professionals and hoteliers. This creates the opportunity for further jobs in various sectors related to old persons and those with disabilities – tourism included.
In itself, the whole concept should encourage all stakeholders to further develop this new tourism niche which may not yet have been given sufficient attention. The guiding components will basically require age and disabilityfriendly environments and mainstreaming of accessibility, thus offering a holistic product that meets all aspirations.
I strongly believe that within our socio-economic context, accessible tourism is pivotal to ensure full social and economic participation of persons with disability. Benefits are there to be reaped by both providers and consumers. In a fair society, tourism is for all.
“A MERRY CHRISTMAS” AND ITS MEANING
Concluding my piece today, on the eve of Christmas Day - I augur that no matter the time of year, we rise above the customary attitudes and create further opportunities for social inclusion and solidarity. I strongly believe that this does not only imply paving the way for these persons to come closer to what the rest of the country can easily access.
There is too much suffering around us. We see heartbreaking scenes of children in conflict zones and I ask myself, what kind of Christmas will these children have? And likewise all those children and people of all ages facing violence, abuse, poverty and exclusion on a daily basis. In my remit, I will continue to strive to make a difference to secure rights and dignity all the year round, possibly bringing smiles and a bit of serenity.