Investing in therapists and professionals to ensure high standards

Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija is continuously investing in its employees, ensuring that services given to persons with disability, although free of charge, are of the highest standard.

With its CEO Nathan Farrugia's recent embarking on a UK project, the running of the organisation is steered by a capable management team, with Mark Sultana taking on the general management of Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija, and Bradley Dingli taking on business development and revenue streams.

In recent months, members of the team have obtained higher qualifications while new therapists and professionals have been recruited.

Nataline Gatt, intellectual disabilities programme manager, holds a B.Psy (Hons) degree and a Diploma in Human Resources and Personnel Management. Her aims at Ir-Razzett are to improve the quality of services delivered to individuals with learning and developmental disabilities and to focus on the continuous development of the team's skills to provide service excellence.

Lidwina Schembri Wismayer, physical disabilities programmes manager, SROT (a state registered occupational therapist), has eight years' experience with the physically disabled in Rome. Her aims are to enhance the services presently offered, as well as to create and develop new services for Ir-Razzett tal-Hbiberija to become a centre of excellence and point of reference for people of all ages who face the challenge of physical impairment. Her first project is the innovative ICT lab which will offer people with physical disability an alternative access to computers.

Anne Bulmer, disability programmes co-ordinator, has a BA (Hons) in Fine Arts from Staffordshire University in the UK. Her aim is to use art/crafts as a tool to help children with disability express themselves in more fulfilling ways, both with verbal and non-verbal communication. Her objective is to create an environment where children can feel more in control of the situation, therefore creating a positive atmosphere within which they can grow and develop without inhibition.

Elaine Fenech, sports programme co-ordinator, is a qualified ITS fitness instructor and an ASA swimming instructor. Her main aims are to promote the importance of fitness and well-being to people with physical and intellectual disability.

By integrating these persons with Ir-Razzett's existing IASIS members, people who need help are automatically encouraged to do physical exercise. This friendly environment will also help them integrate more while facilitating their needs.

Alan Calleja, B.Sc. (Hons), SRP Malta, UK Dip. Ortho. Med (SOM, UK) EMT Remote Care, rehabilitation manager, and Luke Fiorini, B.Sc. (Hons), SRP Malta, will take it in their hands to provide the best rehabilitation services. These include physiotherapy, podology, speech therapy, occupational therapy and massage therapy.

Their objectives are to have Ir-Razzett's health professionals geared to provide all clients, whether these have an acute or chronic problem, or even a disability, with the correct management of their condition.

Gordon Pace, fund-raising co-ordinator, with a diploma in youth and community studies, will focus on fund-raising activities, which would eventually help Ir-Razzett tal- Hbiberija provide its services.