The Minister for Inclusion and Quality of Life Julia Farrugia Portelli this morning presented to the President of Malta George Vella the documents of two national strategies on people with disabilities for the years 2021-2030, the National Strategy Autism and the National Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The presentation of the documents took place during a courtesy visit made by Minister Farrugia Portelli to the President of Malta at St. Anton’s Palace.
Minister Farrugia Portelli said that in both strategies there is the important part of the public consultation. “In the case of the National Autism Strategy, the public consultation stage was launched last March and after considering the strong contribution we had prepared the final document. With regard to the National Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the public consultation stage was launched earlier this month and closes on 7 July. We are convinced that we will also have a very good response to this strategy and that it will make a major contribution to the preparation of the final document. “
Minister Farrugia Portelli described the national strategy on autism as a comprehensive strategy. Regarding the national strategy on the rights of persons with disabilities, Minister Farrugia Portelli said that the main aim of this strategy is to provide a roadmap for the Maltese disability sector over the years. leading to the year 2030, the year identified for the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
The President spoke at length on the need for full inclusion, especially in the field of education and on investing more resources in the field of disability as a society. He and Minister Farrugia Portelli agreed that inter-ministerial cooperation and the implementation of rules or measures in favor of the rights of people with disabilities are important pillars for a fairer society.
During the courtesy visit to the President of Malta, Minister Farrugia Portelli was accompanied by the Chairperson of the Autism Advisory Council, Alistair de Gaetano, the Head of the Secretariat, Reuben Sciberras, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry for Inclusion and Quality of Life, Matthew Vella.
