Up To €750 In Therapy Support For Parents Of Kids With Disabilities

Mar 17 2025

Parents of children with disabilities can now receive up to €750 per year under an enhanced reimbursement scheme for therapy expenses.

This initiative, previously a tax credit scheme, was unveiled by Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia, alongside Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Rhoda Garland.

This vital support scheme is open to parents of children under 16, offering financial relief for therapy costs. Families can claim reimbursements every three months by submitting receipts for approved therapies, with a maximum refund of €750 annually – a significant increase from last year’s €500 cap.

In a game-changing move, the scheme now extends to low-income families who are tax-exempt and those receiving social benefits.

Administered by the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), it ensures that therapy costs are no longer a barrier to essential care.

Eligible children must hold an EU Disability Card, and therapies must be provided by licensed professionals. Minister Farrugia highlighted that 450 families have already benefited from the scheme, and these enhancements will reach even more households.

“We listened to families and simplified the process to make it more accessible. Our goal is to ease financial burdens so parents can focus on their children’s well-being,” she stated.

Commissioner Garland reinforced the importance of therapy for child development, acknowledging that costs can be a challenge for many families.

“This initiative provides direct support, reducing financial strain while ensuring children get the care they need,” she said.

To apply, parents must confirm the therapy qualifies and submit an application with receipts via email to helpdesk@crpd.org.mt or by post to G5 Offices, CRPD, Triq Salvu Psaila, Birkirkara.

Applications are reviewed by the CRPD, with refunds issued every three months. There is no deadline for applications, and parents can make multiple claims throughout the year, up to the €750 limit.

Claims for 2024 expenses must be submitted by 15 March 2025. This scheme is a step forward in supporting families, ensuring children with disabilities receive the care they deserve without financial stress.

Apply here: https://www.crpd.org.mt/therapy-refund-scheme/

#MaltaDaily

Transport Malta Urges Public to Report Parked Y-Plate Vehicles

Mar 17 2025

Vehicles such as Y-plates, that are parked on public roads or in public car parks for longer than 60 minutes can be reported by citizens and removed.

Transport Malta has provided the following contact details for reporting:

Transport Malta Free Phone: +356 8007 3399

Traffic Control Centre: +356 2555 5090/1/2/3

WhatsApp: +356 9900 2663

When submitting a report, Transport Malta advises citizens to include the vehicle’s registration number, the location (pinned on the map), and a photo to ensure swift action is taken.

The organisation assures that all reports are handled with strict confidentiality to protect the identity of the person reporting.

#MaltaDaily

Join In The Global Earth Hour Movement In Valletta

Mar 17 2025

Earth Hour 2025, organised by the Ministry for the Environment, Energy, and Public Cleanliness, is a global movement that calls for responsible energy use and environmental awareness. Tonight, millions of people around the world will come together for a simple but powerful gesture: switching off their lights from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

This action serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect the planet, demonstrating that each of us has the power to make a difference. Last year, over 190 countries participated, contributing more than 1.4 million hours of collective action. This year, we continue that commitment, taking steps to create a brighter, more sustainable future.

The event will kick off at 6:00 PM with a range of engaging activities and entertainment. From 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, visitors can explore stalls hosted by different entities within the Ministry, offering practical tips on sustainability and ways to reduce single-use plastics. At 7:00 PM, enjoy live performances by Emma Farrugia and Marvic Ann Azzopardi, followed by a choir performance by Centrestage Malta at 7:30 PM. At 8:00 PM, the Bormla Scouts will march from Republic Street to St. George’s Square, where they’ll remain during the Earth Hour lights-off period from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM.

Before the lights go off, be sure to catch the short film, “A World Perspective,” from 8:15 PM to 8:30 PM. This documentary will highlight the negative impact human actions have on the planet, offering a powerful introduction to the symbolic Earth Hour event. From 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM, we’ll unite in the Earth Hour Lights-Off Ceremony, a 60-minute commitment symbolized by the number “60” in the Earth Hour logo. While Earth Hour is just an hour, its message of environmental stewardship carries on throughout the year.

Following the ceremony, enjoy live music by Krista Sujak from 8:45 PM to 9:45 PM, before the event concludes at 10:00 PM. Throughout the evening, there will be various informative stands and activities, such as:

Saving Our Blue will provide insights into protecting marine life.

The Sustainable Development Directorate will host interactive games to raise awareness of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Ambjent Malta will offer potting sessions and sustainability tips.

Project Green will lead a repotting workshop and flashcard learning session.

Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) will also be present with freebies and information about their ongoing projects.

Environment & Resources Authority (ERA) will also be providing freebies to all those in attendance, along with informative material and other activities for the public in participation.

WasteServ will showcase displays on electronic and flammable waste.

CE Malta will offer educational games, quizzes, and eco-friendly challenges like Eco Pong.

Additionally, EWA will offer personalized consultations on energy and water conservation for a more sustainable home.

Join us as we stand together for the planet, marking Earth Hour 2025 as a step towards lasting environmental action. Let’s take collective responsibility and inspire a sustainable future for generations to come!

#MaltaDaily

More Than 3 Animals Rescued From Maltese Streets Everyday

Mar 17 2025

More than three animals are rescued from Maltese streets every day.

Yes, according to data we obtained, Animal Welfare rescued more than 1,300 animals over the past year.

In 2024, Animal Welfare received around 15,000 calls, ranging from reports about animals to inquiries about schemes and other assistance.

Out of these, 4,100 calls were for help with lost, injured, sick, missing, or endangered animals.

So far, only a little over 500 of these animals have been adopted—around 330 dogs and 180 cats. You can help increase the number of adopted animals. Interested? Call Animal Welfare.

And by the way—if you see a lost, injured, abused animal or one in a dangerous environment where it could get hurt, call Animal Welfare on the freephone 153 of Servizz.gov and press extension 17.

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