Focus should be on abilities not disabilities

The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) would like to react to the manner of coverage given by the media to Premju Qalb Tad-Deheb as awarded to the class of pupils from St Benedict's College.

While encouraging the positive effects of inclusion policies and of seeing such inclusion being practised we would like to express ourselves with regard to the manner in which such positive behaviour was portrayed.

MFOPD is a firm believer in the abilities of every person with disability. And it is such abilities that should be the focus. It is the fact of what the pupil concerned has achieved that should be the focus of being reported. The pupils of the class receiving the award managed to dismantle the disabling difficulties, thus enabling the particular pupil to achieve all that was achievable based on his capabilities. Putting the spotlight on what is seen as a disability puts out of focus all that which was actually achieved.

In saying this, the MFOPD is also referring to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability and specifically to general principle (h) "Respect for the evolving capacities of children with disabilities and respect for the right of children with disabilities to preserve their identities".

Also, Article 24 on education in the Convention, referring to the recognition of the right of persons with disabilities to education, states that parties shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and life-long learning directed to:

"1(a) the full development of human potential and sense of dignity and self-worth, and the strengthening of respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms and human diversity;

(b) The development by persons with disabilities of their personality, talents and creativity, as well as their mental and physical abilities, to their fullest potential".

MFOPD encourages peer support from and to every student, but this should not be an out-of-this-world situation. Peer support is necessary and not an extraordinary fact of life. Moreover, persons with disability should involve themselves and participate in such peer support. Peer support is a two-way process.

Referring back to the article in question, MFOPD's view is that the children were portrayed in such a manner that puts pressure on the child with disability to accept that he/she is not able to achieve as much as possible of all there is to achieve in life on his/her own capabilities.

Peer support is there to enhance and not replace such capabilities.