[WATCH] Siggiewi community home for persons with disability welcomes first residents

Community home for persons with disability welcomes its first residents

A four-bedroom home for persons with disability was inaugurated this morning in Siggiewi, welcoming its first two female residents who will be living within the community.

The two young women, one in employment and the other still in education, gave Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and parliamentary secretary Justyne Caruana a tour of the house.

An electoral pledge, the government is investing in a number of community homes for persons with disability with a certain degree of independence. Residents will have support workers round the clock, whose role will be to support the residents as they carry out household chores.

“We are slowly introducing them to independent living and every small change has to be positive. We encourage parents to support their children in a slow transition to independent living to avoid the shock that comes with the time for separation,” Caruana said.

The government is currently waiting for MEPA to issue permits for other two houses; a new house should be ready before the end of year while an expression of interest is being concluded. The government is also negotiating the use of two other homes with NGOs

Speaking on the €12 million hub for persons with disability, Muscat reiterated that this was another step promoting inclusion. “The hub will not segregate persons with disability but is built on the idea of community inclusion. It will have a number of facilities that attract different people, not just persons with disability.”

Although further details will be announced in coming weeks, it is understood that the hub would consist of small units – ranging from residential, to gym and respite centres, among others.