Disability policy says all educators should have basic sign language skills

National policy on rights of disabled people launched • Video Ray Attard

All educators should have basic sign language skills, according to a new national policy on the rights of people with a disability.  Among other initiatives, the policy includes proposals for self-employment schemes, giving persons with disabilities the chance to avail themselves of subsidies to start their own businesses.

The policy, which was developed with the input of people with a disability, also calls for better education and awareness – all Learning Support Assistants must be trained in impairment-related preparation and all tertiary education should include a study unit about disability awareness.
Changes to public transport are also proposed in the policy. Transport should be both physically accessible and outfitted with technology such as electronic displays and recorded announcements to make traveling easier for persons with disabilities.

The policy also promotes the education of disabled persons, in communication skills such as sign language and Braille and other techniques. Information by government departments and agencies should be presented in a variety of ways, including braille and visual representation, as well as using simplified language to make it more accessible.

A national strategy based on this policy will be launched in the coming weeks, parliamentary secretary for rights of people with a disability Justyne Caruana said at the policy’s launch.

“The issues faced by people with disabilities are often invisible,” Caruana said. “People need to open their eyes to the real issues of poverty, discrimination and social exclusion that people with a disability face. This policy represents a new era for people with a disability, as it promotes more inclusion for them in all aspects of life.”

She cited Budget measures such as the placing of disabled people on certain government boards and the enforcement of an old law that 2% of the workforce of companies that employ over 20 people must be people with a disability. Disabled people will also no longer lose their disability pension once they find employment. 

“The policy is built on the premise of autonomy and dignity for all,” social solidarity minister Michael Farrugia said. “Everyone has a right to full equality and we must start thinking from the point that everyone is disabled in some way.”

Farrugia also announced that some 80 persons with disabilities will be working in government offices in Gozo.

Oliver Scicluna, chairman of the National Commission for People with a Disability (KNPD), appealed for people with a disability to be involved in the drafting of the policy's actual strategy as they were in the drafting of the policy.