The disability sector: Fulfilling a manifesto pillar

At a time of intense world turmoil, Malta continues to show economic prowess, needed to meet the challenges and uncertainties of our time. Malta has shown resilience well beyond its territorial and demographic size. The Malta Miegħek budget for 2027 is replete with new positive measures and initiatives aimed at sustaining Maltese and Gozitan families in looking towards the future with confidence.

In stark contrast to what is happening in most of Europe, where austerity measures have caused unrest, the Labour government in Malta has chosen a different path. Budget 2027 paves the way for continued stability for families and businesses alike, sustaining the progress achieved since the change of government in 2013 and making sure it reaches the whole spectrum of the population.

Malta is successfully choosing to act as an effective safeguard for both families and businesses, shielding them from the impact of world turbulence. In doing so, it promotes and rewards both work and diligence. Budget 2027 once again offers direct support to parents and their aspirations, to pensioners whose decades-long careers and dedication deserve dignity and recognition, and to those in Maltese society who most need it.

This brings me to the Maltese disability sector that has been a major recipient of government support with benefits rooted in the values of equality, independence and inclusion. Families, parents, agencies and NGOs, specialists in the field and, most of all, persons with disabilities have played an active part in the process of enshrining such virtues.

The everyday lives of persons with disabilities in Malta and Gozo have seen a remarkable change in various aspects; from independent living and inclusion to housing and equal status. But rather than just looking back with satisfaction at all that has been achieved, Budget 2027 steers us towards new targets and destinations. It paves the way for better and stronger sustenance that will continue to make a difference in people’s everyday lives.

The Robert Abela government is recognisable by its social conscience. A strong and committed administration determined to ensure a better quality of life for all citizens, not least persons with disabilities and their families. We have been catalysts for positive change in this sector. The Malta Miegħek budget for next year confirms once again our commitment, so early on in the legislature, towards improving the quality of life of persons with a disability.

The measures we implemented in the first 100 days of the new legislature were an indicator of our drive and determination. We introduced a parliamentary bill to amend the Constitution and ensure disability is no longer a ground for discrimination in Maltese society; we invested in service dog training to the tune of €150,000; and we had a voluntary sector funding and dialogue initiative to advance proposed amendments to the Voluntary Organisations Act and move forward with the Voluntary Sector Strategy 2025-2030; we also launched almost €1 million in funding via the MCVS for voluntary organisations.

Parents of children with disabilities need our constant attention, helping them not only in taking care of their offspring, but also in providing them with the right means of support as they look ahead to the future.

As promised in our election manifesto just six months ago, the Labour government is committing itself to covering the expenses required for the therapy sessions that parents regularly take their under-18-year-old children to. The commitment is rooted in the belief that early intervention and proper therapy from an early age are, in themselves, an investment in further strengthening the process of inclusion in our society.

It is not a beginning, but a planned continuation of achievements during the past few years. The carers’ grant for parents of children with severe disabilities will increase to €7,500 per year from €5,369. These are concrete measures that mean so much to all those whose dedication to their children is an example to the rest of us.

Other worthy social measures for the new year include an astounding increase in the Elderly Carer-at-home Scheme –an increase of €800 to a total grant of €9,800 per year, while working people in Malta and Gozo who are certified foster parents will also benefit from an additional 10 days’ leave.

The Malta Miegħek budget translates into peace of mind, stability and a strategic roadmap.