More than 320 people are making use of the services offered by Agenzija Sapport, the agency's first biennial report showed.
Unveiled yesterday, the report analyses the agency's work since it was set up as part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, together with Agenzija Appogg and Sedqa.
Although Agenzija Sapport started operating last year, the services for people with a disability were still offered previously through Agenzija Appogg and since 1996 more than 1,500 people benefited from the services. Agenzija Sapport was set up to help people with a disability and their families.
The agency has 115 employees, 57 of them on full time basis.
Sapport chief operations officer Marcel Pisani explained that the agency tries to make the most of a person's ability instead of focusing solely on his or her disability. He said the focus is on dignity and privacy and the agency also respects and encourages choice.
"Every person should be empowered to make his choices," he said.
Mr Pisani explained that Agenzija Sapport offers three services - a community service, a residential service and social work.
For Victor Agius, Agenzija Sapport changed his life drastically. He explained that when his wife died a few years ago, he had to take care of his disabled son. "Taking care of him meant a lot of work and during the first two years I barely ever went out of the house. I was always fearing what would happen to my son if something happened to me," he said.
Today, he said, agency representatives take care of his son for six hours a week while he does his chores and for another four hours so that he can take a break.
Another service user, Georgina Borg, spoke about life in one of the agency's residences. Ms Borg, who is wheelchair-bound, said that although she lives in a residence, she leads an independent life.
Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina stressed the importance of independence for people with a disability.
The minister said that although some people complain that there are not enough funds, at least the basis is there and work can be continued on it. She pointed out that in last month's budget it was announced that Agenzija Sapport was allocated Lm507,000 for next year.