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Disabled rallied in MLP dialogue meeting

Taking a cue from his budget speech, Dr Alfred Sant yesterday said the Budget had not paid attention to the needs of the disabled and their families, he felt that priorities in the social sphere must always given importance.

Facing both mentally and physically disabled Dr Sant listened attentively to the floor. The meeting was held at the Orpheum theatre in Gzira.

Parents of disabled voiced their worries regarding the possibility that if their children lose their parents or carers, they are sent to one of two institutions, either St Vincent de Paule which is an old people’s home or Mount Carmel which is designated to house patients with mental problems.

It was pointed out that it could take up to two years for siblings of disabled persons to gain the right of custody. This obviously causes problems when the parent or authorised carer of the disabled person passes away.

Blind persons present addressed another difficulty regarding voting during elections. In Europe the policy of having a ‘trusted friend’ accompany the disabled person, is routine. Dr Sant acknowledged this important topic and stated that steps were being taken to address the matter as neither party was happy with the current situation.

The limitations of facilitators who are accompanying disabled children at primary school level was also tackled. Many facilitators refuse or are unable to care fully for these children with the outcome of a rather patchy situation.

Dr Sant noted that the recent Budget had not paid attention to the needs of the disabled and their families, he felt that priorities in the social sphere must always given importance.