The Ministry for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing in Malta has launched its first national strategy on the rights of people with disabilities.
Titled ‘Freedom to Live’, the 100-page policy consists of 13 objectives and 63 action points to be carried out over the next nine years.
The objectives include: reforms and equality; research and data-gathering; awareness on disability; accessibility; participation in culture, entertainment, recreation and sport; relationships, family, sexuality, and parenthood; informal, formal, and non-formal education; healthcare; work and employment; independent and community life, and de-institutionalisation; partipiation in political and public life; disaster risk management and reduction; and regional and international efforts.
Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli explained that each individual action point is linked directly to one of the 13 objectives.
As well, each point must be completed in either two, five, or nine years. Most of the action points involve the drafting of new policies to govern the various objectives.
Minister Farrugia Portillo added that their national strategy was part of an electoral promise made by the Labour Party during the 2017 election.
“After the 2014 national policy for people with disability, the next step was implementation through strategy – this is what we’re doing today,” Minister Farrugia Portelli stated.
Matthew Vella, the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing, remarked that the strategy isn’t being carried out due to budget-related incentives or electoral promises.
“We have one goal – to work together through dialogue and, at the end of the day, achieve our established targets.”
Further talks are being held on how exactly the strategy will be implemented. Ruth Sciberras, the CEO of Aġenzija Sapport, said that organisations are constantly competing for limited resources, so territorial issues may arise.
However, she praised the government for improving on networking and collaboration when it comes to the disability sector.
Collaboration was a key point made during the discussion. Josanne Ghirxi, Director of National School Support Services at the Ministry for Education, explained that collaboration is extremely necessary in her particular line of work as all parties need to work in unison to the benefit of the students.
Alistair de Gaetano, from the Ministry for Inclusion and Social Wellbeing, stated that the new strategy contains measurable and specific targets, thereby giving a clear direction for all entities working in the sector.
Rita Micallef, Director in the Department for Health Services in the Health Ministry, added that proper training is essential for the sector, while Sciberras said that an evidence-based policy approach can help direct future policy decisions in the area.
“You don’t just draft a policy,” Sciberras said. “You have to see what’s working and what isn’t to give the best service in policy and practice for people with disability.”
