Significant progress has been made in the disability sector, but much more remains to be done to ensure that every individual can live an independent and fulfilling life, the Nationalist Party said in a statement.

On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, commemorated annually on 3rd December, the Nationalist Party joins the rest of the world in calling for a focus on each person's abilities, rather than their disabilities, and for everyone to be afforded what they are rightfully entitled to: dignity, respect, equity, equality, and opportunities, among others. "Our abilities should define who we are, not our disabilities."

This year's theme for the day is: 'Empowering Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future,' which aligns with the United Nations' motto, 'Nothing About Us Without Us,' the PN said.

The PN said that it believes in the crucial role that persons with disabilities play in creating a more inclusive and accessible world. "Persons with disabilities should be directly involved in decisions that affect them. Through their own experiences, they are better able to identify what works well, what needs improvement, and how these improvements can be achieved. Their voices are invaluable."

There are several challenges that need to be addressed more effectively, the party said.

The first is accessibility. "Physical spaces, especially public areas and workplaces, must be accessible to everyone. Greater access to the digital world and technology, particularly for the elderly, must also be created to enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in all aspects of life."

The second is education. "Every child should have access to education from an early age to ensure no one is left behind. Greater investment in education is necessary to identify and address the diverse needs of each individual, providing the essential learning delivered by professionals trained to cater to specific disabilities."

The third is employment. "Employment provides not only financial independence but also personal satisfaction. It is not enough to state that a good percentage of persons with disabilities are employed. We must go further to ensure that the employment provided truly utilises their abilities, offers job satisfaction, and is adequately remunerated."

The fourth is services. "While it is true that various services exist, many persons with disabilities complain about excessive bureaucracy between departments and long waiting lists for certain services. The Nationalist Party has long argued that services should be streamlined under a single ministry to facilitate the lives of these individuals. Furthermore, while financial assistance is provided, it often falls short of enabling persons with disabilities to truly live independently."

The PN expressed its gratitude to all those who, in one way or another, contribute to improvements in the disability sector. "Without the dedicated efforts of many individuals, including professionals, family members, and voluntary organisations, the development and continuous advancement of persons with disabilities would not be possible."

The Nationalist Party said that it envisions a fairer and more inclusive society where no one is left behind. "It is a society that values and gives a voice to persons with disabilities."

The PN said it is committed to improving the lives of persons with disabilities. "To achieve this, together, we must continue to reduce stigma, change perceptions, increase awareness, overcome barriers, guarantee access to resources, and ensure equal opportunities for all individuals."

The PN statement was signed by MP Graziella Galea and President of the PN's Equal Opportunities Forum (FOIPN) Jamie Vella