Friends of <i>Razzett</i> set out to raise funds

The Friends of Razzett fund-raising campaign was launched yesterday to improve the products and services on offer at the centre for persons with disability, solidify its position and ensure public support.

In the year of equal opportunities, it was appropriate to step up fund-raising efforts to be able to continue with its mission to enhance the quality of life of persons with disability, Razzett Tal-Hbiberija general manager Mark Sultana said.

"There are no more excuses," he insisted, saying that even paraplegics could learn to use computers thanks to the hi-tech ICT lab at the Razzett, which includes the use of a head- and mouth-operated mouse. Such a service should help persons with disability enter the working world and encourage employers to offer them jobs.

The services on offer at Razzett were extensive, however the list of improvements was endless and included mobility issues, for example. In Malta, persons with disability did not have the opportunity to learn how to drive a car and use a wheelchair - or even buy one.

"It is the right of the person with disability to be able to do these things," Mr Sultana said, adding that Malta was lagged behind in these areas.

"While we accept everyone in society, quality of life is not being afforded to all," he said, stressing the importance of independent living.

The way things stood, there was a waiting list of 60 persons for the multi-sensory room at Razzett. All that was required was to employ one more occupational therapist, Mr Sultana said.

It costs Lm400,000 a year to run the Marsascala centre that caters for 1,200 persons with disability, fund-raising manager Gordon Pace said. Sponsorship, also from the EU, was usually utilised to fund projects and not to cover running costs, he added.

So far, Razzett has always coped through various fund-raising events. In fact, not only has it managed to maintain its services, but also improve on and develop them over the years, Mr Pace continued, adding that the Friends of Razzett campaign was a result of its 18 years of success.

Anyone interested in supporting the centre - the only one in Europe that offers persons with disability a vast array of services under one roof and for free - can dial 2163 6999, leave bank account numbers and details and donate Lm1, or more, a month, to the Friends of Razzett campaign.

Arrangements have been made with local banks for a direct debit or standing order system, which, of course, can be terminated whenever required, Mr Pace said.