Study exposes hurdles faced by people with disability

About 15 per cent of persons with a disability declare they have no financial income while half have an income of under Lm200 a month, according to a new study released by the National Commission for Persons with Disability.

The quality of life of these persons is closely connected with their finances, so the lack of cash flow means they probably depend heavily on their families, the study concluded.

This scientific survey is the result of a synergy between the commission and the National Office of Statistics to get a clear picture of the wishes, expectations and difficulties persons with disability face.

A total of 599 persons, chosen randomly from the register of disabled persons, took part in this survey - 55.8 per cent were male and 44.2 per cent female.

The majority (49.7 per cent) of those interviewed had a physical impairment; 25 per cent had more than one impairment; while 10.4 per cent suffered from mental health problems.

The participants were also asked about the severity of their disability and more than half, 53.8 per cent, said they had severe impairment.

The study was released yesterday at the Waterfront Hotel, Gzira during a half-day seminar which coincided with World Day for Persons with Disability.

The seminar was opened by Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina who said the report would give a clear direction on how to forge ahead on issues affecting persons with disability.

Ms Cristina expressed concern at the fact that just 15 per cent of those interviewed were members of their organisations. "Participation in such organisations is crucial for these people to put forward their concerns and I encourage persons with disability to actively take part," she said.

Another interesting point which emerged was the low educational level of persons with disability - 12.5 per cent never attended school; just 28.9 per cent received secondary education and a mere 2.3 per cent pursued their studies at a tertiary level.

The majority also believed they would be better off being educated in regular school. Overall, the majority are happy with the educational services they received.

Nearly half of the students have a facilitator, while a quarter have absolutely no assistance in their education. It also appears there are more persons with a mild disability who have a facilitator than those with a moderate or severe impairment.

The report recommends that the special education being offered should be reviewed so that the level of education would be improved and the resources are utilised in the best possible way.

The study also focused on the work opportunities available to persons with a disability.

The number of persons with disability who are gainfully employed or self-employed represent 11.5 per cent of respondents, with the largest number being employed in elementary/basic occupations.

Most of those who work are happy with their job, although they feel that their job is not well paid.

Among those who are unemployed, only 13.2 per cent have expressed the wish to work. However, the majority feel they need training and flexible arrangements to find work.

The report recommends that there should be more support and training so that persons with disability can be part of the labour market.

On matters concerning inclusion in the community, significantly less than half of persons with disability feel that local councils (33.8 per cent) and the Church (42.8 per cent) give importance to their concerns.

On health matters, persons with disability were happy with the health services offered to them, though many did not find it easy to go to hospital, health centres or to be assisted on the phone. It was recommended that professionals should be trained on the manner of relaying news on disability.

A substantial number (48 per cent) also found it hard to buy a life assurance policy and the report recommends that more support should be given on this matter.