Government has invested €80,000 for a specialized car for persons with disabilities and people who use wheelchairs.

The car will arrive in Malta shortly and is equipped with technology that allows a person to drive the car from the wheelchair itself.

The theme of the week dedicated to people with disabilities, which started on the International Day dedicated to Persons with Disabilities, focuses on the need for society to look at transformative solutions for inclusive development.

Minister for Inclusion, Volunteering and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli said that through innovation in fostering and accessible and fair world, the investment continues to reaffirm the government's commitment to inclusion.

The car in question can also be driven by people with different disabilities through a specially fitted seat, with modifications aimed at everyone. If a person cannot use their right hand, the controls would be on the left, and vice versa.

The car also has an automatic fire extinguishing system so that a person with more mobility difficulties is never in danger. People with different disabilities will be able to receive training on this car from Agenzija Sapport.

Farrugia Portelli said that eight members of the Sonia Tanti Independent Living Center team, within Agenzija Sapport, have already attended specialized training in the United Kingdom connected with the investment.

“Inclusion for people with disabilities also means that we must train our workers so that inclusion is holistic and is achieved in its entirety,” she said.

Farrugia Portelli also announced a number of activities which will be organized during the week dedicated to people with disabilities, with the participation of persons with disabilities and voluntary organisations.

All those who contributed to a more inclusive Malta will be recognized after the activities with the Fair Society Award evening.