A home in Cospicua is all ready to receive up to six residents with a disability as part of a supported living programme set up by Aġenzija Sapport.

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 yesterday morning, stressed the importance of looking at the abilities of people rather than getting sidetracked by their disability.

He pointed out that the law enacted in Malta in 2000 revolved around the removal of discrimination when it comes to people with a disability and gave out a very important message. "We wanted them to be integrated fully within society."

Although moving from theory to practice was always a challenge, progress has been registered and Dr Gonzi described the home in Cospicua as another link in a chain of projects to help people with a disability.

He reminded that just a few years back there were those who believed that having people with a disability integrated within the community was impossible. 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 helping 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.

"The vision is clear - the place of disabled people is at the centre of society," Ms Cristina said.