The Maltese Federation of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities (MFOPD) has taken a significant step forward in its mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities by publishing a comprehensive study on the state of Personal Assistance for Persons with Disabilities in Malta. This important study was made possible with the generous support of the Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector and was conducted by Dr. Lara Bezzina, an experienced professional with over 18 years of expertise in the field of disability.

The release of this study aligns perfectly with the ongoing efforts to reform the Personal Assistance scheme for Persons with Disabilities, a crucial initiative spearheaded by Aġenzija Sapport. This reform represents a key commitment outlined in the Government’s Electoral Manifesto and is presently open for public consultation. The proposed plan for reform includes active collaboration from various stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities, prominent professionals and experts in the field of disability, as well as local and international civil society organizations, such as the European Network on Independent Living (ENIL).

Julia Farrugia Portelli, the Minister for Inclusion, Volunteering, and Consumer Rights, welcomed the publication of the study, emphasizing its vital role in the ongoing consultation process regarding the reform of Personal Assistance for Persons with Disabilities. She stated, “The publication of the study has come at an ideal point because it is part of the consultation process that the country is doing on the reform for Personal Assistance for Persons with Disabilities. Therefore, having research of this type is helpful so that when legislation is being drawn up it is based on facts and also on what the sector wants or is suggesting.”

The study findings were also met with enthusiasm by Oliver Scicluna, CEO of Aġenzija Sapport. He expressed satisfaction with the study’s recommendations, which align with the ongoing efforts within the agency to reform the Personal Assistance scheme. This alignment is a testament to the collaborative and well-informed approach being taken to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities in Malta.

Marthese Mugliette, President of MFOPD, emphasized the significance of Personal Assistance in the lives of people with disabilities, noting that it provides a crucial tool for enabling independence and full participation in the community.

As the reform initiative advances, the Government has set a deadline for public input on the 30th of November. Members of the public are encouraged to share their suggestions by accessing the proposed reform document on the official consultation website at www.consultation.gov.mt. Suggestions can be submitted via an online form on the website, through email at [email protected], or in writing to Aġenzija Sapport, Reforma Personal Assistant, Professional Development Center, Triq il-Harrub, Santa Venera.

Photos: DOI

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“Malta needs to embrace different housing models that go beyond what we’ve done over the past 30 years and address the needs and desires of modern Maltese society.” – These were the words of Housing Authority CEO Matthew Zerafa during a recent discussion on sustainability organised by EY Malta at the Future Realised Event 2023.

The breakout session featured the Housing Authority alongside Project Green CEO Steve Ellul, BOV Head of BOV ESG Clint Flores, ERA CEO Kevin Mercieca, and Director at EY EMEIA Public Policy Ambrose Murray, who delved into the role of society in supporting a transition to a more sustainable Europe and Malta.

While discussing the opportunities and progress made in the housing sector over recent years, it became evident that notable changes in demand and community demographics cannot be ignored. Zerafa highlighted how innovative pilot projects, such as the Intergenerational Housing initiative in Valletta, have successfully brought together a group of elderly and youths through a co-living concept that promotes open spaces and housing with multiple occupants within their own community.

According to EY’s Malta Attractiveness Survey 2023, Malta is viewed as an appealing investment destination by 59% for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), marking a notable upswing from the decline registered during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the attractiveness of Malta’s ‘Social Climate Stability,’ within which housing plays a significant role, has seen a decrease of six percentage points compared to last year’s results. Factors such as ‘Cost Competitiveness’ and ‘Quality of Life’ are among the top risks to Malta’s FDI attractiveness. This concern is further emphasised by 86% of respondents who consider Malta’s planning and preparedness for population growth in terms of infrastructure development to be inadequate.

Matthew Zerafa stated that by guaranteeing the stability in families, it translates into stable communities which guarantee a stable and sustainable economy.

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