People with disabilities will be able to benefit from two schemes through which the purchase of accessible vehicles by people who use wheelchairs will be facilitated, including a vehicle that can be driven directly from the wheelchair.
The schemes also aim to financially help disabled people who choose to buy a modified second-hand vehicle that has a lift or ramp for wheelchair access. Persons with disabilities also benefit from an exemption from the vehicle registration fee and/or road license, depending on the case.
The launch of the two schemes, which will come into effect from the 1st of June, was made by the Minister for Inclusion, Volunteering and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli where she claimed that through this launch both Budget 2023 measures are being implemented, as well as an electoral promise is being implemented. She explained that the first scheme will help disabled people to buy a vehicle that will allow them to drive directly from their wheelchair. They will benefit from a subsidy of no more than 20% on the price of the car.
The Minister claimed that this scheme will give more independence and autonomy that will allow a person with a disability to go where they want, when they want and without being dependent on others for transport. She went on to explain that the second scheme will offer financial assistance in the purchase of a modified second-hand vehicle that has a lift or ramp for wheelchair access and that is registered in Malta. Until today this scheme was only open to new cars. Therefore, those who buy a modified second-hand car that is already registered, will begin to be given the possibility to benefit from a subsidy of no more than 10% on the price of the car. For a vehicle to qualify for the subsidy, its emissions must be below 180g of CO2. “We want more disabled people to have total independence, including driving cars. Therefore these schemes are aimed at improving the mobility, inclusion and social interaction of people with disabilities,” concluded Minister Farrugia Portelli.
The CEO of Aġenzija Sapport, Oliver Scicluna, gave a presentation on how the schemes will be operated. He described the two schemes as another step forward in the provision of services to persons with disabilities. Mr Scicluna recalled that the agency invested in a car driven by people who use a wheelchair as part of the resources available at the Sonia Tanti Independent Living Center (STILC). The agency has also invested in training professionals and driving instructors to be able to provide training to interested persons. For more information you can call Freephone 153.
Applications are available from Sapport Agency (Malta and Gozo) or from the site www.sapport.gov.mt.
