Number of Gozitans with disabilities in employment up 7% in six months

There are currently nearly 600 Gozitans with disabilities in employment, which is an increase of 7% over the past six months, the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector stated.Speaking at a national conference organised by the Commission for

By: independent.com.mt

Nov 29 2024
0
3567 Views

Number of Gozitans with disabi

There are currently nearly 600 Gozitans with disabilities in employment, which is an increase of 7% over the past six months, the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector stated.

Speaking at a national conference organised by the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), Minister Julia Farrugia said that 80% of Gozitan participants of a survey commissioned by the CRPD in 2024 felt that the rights of people with disabilities in Malta and Gozo are well respected.

From the study, the Ministry said that it also emerged that 85% of Gozitans believe that the CRPD is very effective in its interventions in favour of persons with disabilities and their families, while 78% think that persons with disabilities face a particular reality in Gozo when compared to Malta.

Referring to the CRPD survey, the Ministry said that when asked about their thoughts about what the most urgent issues are in the disability sector in the country, Gozitan participants answered that the most pertinent issues are the increase in public perception (90%), employment (85%), the abuse of the blue badge (85%), physical accessibility (84%), training and improved services (80%), inclusive education (70%), more sensory accessibility (70%), and deinstitutionalization (68%).

Farrugia spoke of the importance that the country continues to invest in more resources for Gozitans. She said that the survey confirms how important it is to continue working to address the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities in Gozo, "particularly in the areas of employment, accessibility, and education". She continued that the government is committed to strengthening the infrastructure and services for Gozo "in order to help everyone live a more independent and dignified life".

The Minister commented that the government's goal is that every person with a disability feels that their rights are recognised and respected in Malta and Gozo. She added that in the coming period, the Voice For Inclusion group will begin operating in the Ghajnsielem hub, and also said that Gozitan people with disabilities will start having representation on two government boards, referring to the ENGAGE board and the advisory committee on autism.

Rhoda Garland, the CRPD Commissioner, spoke of how the CRPD is well aware of the specific challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Gozo. She commented that all policies and services for people with disabilities in Gozo "should directly include Gozitan people with disabilities".