Agenzija Sapport has set up a home in Cospicua to receive up to six residents with a disability as part of a supported living programme.

The home will allow six young people to live within the community and lead a more independent life, while reassuring their parents that they will be cared for when they are unable to do so themselves.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, who inaugurated the home this morning, stressed the importance of looking at the abilities of people rather than getting sidetracked by their disability.

He said the concept of locking people with a disability in institutions was wrong and showed defeat when confronted with disability.

The home in Cospicua is one of a number of homes around the island for people with a disability. Apart from a number of employees, the homes are also manned by volunteers who dedicate some of their time to help others. Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina said the house was given to Agenzija Sapport by the Housing Authority and a number of companies helped out in furnishing it.