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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