In Brussels, a delegation from the Ministry for Inclusion, Volunteering and Consumer Rights led by Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli, held official talks with the European Network of Independent Living (ENIL).
The meeting focused on the Budget 2023 measure where the government will be investing €4.2 million on the concept of personal assistants and Independent Community Living so that more disabled people can reach their potential.
This meeting is the first step to finalize during this year the reform of personal assistants according to the guidelines of the European Network for Independent Living.
Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli said that the government’s aim is to continue to reform and strengthen the system of services offered to people with disabilities. This is so that the disabled person is not only at the center of the service but is at the forefront of designing and operating the service. Minister Farrugia Portelli stressed that through this reform the country will not only be strengthening the quality of life of people with disabilities but will continue to implement the Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities of the United Nations (UNCRPD).
This is the biggest tool where a person who wishes to continue living in his home independently will be able to do so. Kamil Goungor and Nadia Hadad from ENIL discussed the best practices for the implementation of the Personal Assistance scheme in compliance with the UNCRPD. They emphasized the many benefits of personal assistance systems, including increased independence, personalized support, improved productivity, more social inclusion, reduced burden on the carer, more access to education and employment, and improving the physical and mental health of people with disabilities.
They praised Malta’s commitment in introducing this scheme of personal assistants as well as the process of introducing a law that provides legal recognition and protection for personal assistance.
CEO of Aġenzija Sapport Oliver Scicluna described the meeting as a productive one. “In this meeting we not only continued to strengthen the relationship with a strong European association in the disability sector, but we also continued to learn more about what we need to strengthen the service of personal assistants in our country. ,” Mr. Scicluna said.
President of the Maltese Federation of Associations of Persons with Disabilities (MFOPD), Marthese Mugliette, which represents 38 NGOs in the disability sector, praised the government’s commitment in introducing ‘ this personal assistant scheme. She mentioned how such schemes help more disabled people reach their potential.
Photo: MIVC
