A disability to address

Living together with different abilities, opinions, needs and aspirations, we strengthen each other in our capabilities. We complement each other in our differences. We move on together. Forward. Being all differently gifted, with our own individual colours, together we make up the social mosaic.

This is the thought that passed through my mind when I had the opportunity to attend a parliamentary sitting of persons with special needs.

It's a failure not to appreciate the qualities of each and everyone of us. Everybody's contribution makes society collectively richer. Everybody's effort should be acknowledged. Everybody's participation should be valued. It's a disability not to appreciate the capabilities of a few. It's also a disability not to understand the contribution that other individuals can make.

We are all limited in some form or other; limitation is intrinsic to human nature. Differences in individual limitations, then, are a matter of degree. Realising spatial limitations, man invented means of transport. In order to overcome communicative limitations, man sharpened communication tools and implemented new technologies.

In the same fashion, accessibility is the answer to limitations of individual mobility. A wheelchair-bound person would be able to move about freely if provided with appropriate ramps. Any kind of limitation can be overcome if we are sensitive enough to construct accessible buildings, roads and public spaces, provide accessible transport, information, communication and services. All of us, in our own way, have to face our individual limitations and we can overcome them together.

Not being capable of understanding the needs of an individual is also a form of limitation, a form of disability. Being insensitive to the individual needs of the people around us is also a disability.

Let us grab the opportunity, when faced with such situations, to overcome this disability, by realising fully, appreciating and enhancing our human dimension and dignity.

Since we complement each other with our differences, inclusion means that we live together without being labelled a part of groups or categories. Each one must be able to live life to the full and the whole of society must participate; thus, no one should be deprived of the right to particiapte in life's great experience. And solidarity is the key. As the President of Malta commented, on the occasion of Republic Day, "we still have a strong sense of solidarity. There is a need, however, of decision-making, which ensures the best interests of our common good".

I understand solidarity as the realisation of the human nature that unites us; as the view of all persons that are equal, without distinction; as the full knowledge of the dignity of all persons; as the awareness of the needs of others.

Solidarity makes it possible for all mankind to move ahead, without anyone being left behind, without exception. Solidarity leads us to act, keeping in mind the fragilities, disabilities and limitations of each and everyone one of us.

At the end of the day, we are all in the same boat. Rowing together, in the same direction, we can reach our destination. We all have our disabilities and, to this end, we need to support each other, to overcome them, together.

In the Parliament of persons with special needs there arose the question as to whether providing a better quality of life by offering more independence and accessibility is a right or simply sympathy. Solidarity is not charity but a natural process that allows the satisfaction of needs. It is only in the absence of solidarity that an aggrieved individual is constrained to invoke his rights in seeking redress.

These days should be conducive to a sense of togetherness, a spirit of altruism through which we make that special effort to overcome the disability of not realising the needs of each other.

Let us not await a distress call before we feel the urge to act. Let us give more today and during all days of the forthcoming year. Let us move on, together, guided by a strong sense of solidarity.

Let us cure the disability of lack of awareness of the needs of others.

So let the anwser to the question of whether it is a matter of sympathy or right be solidarity.

Dr Debono is a Nationalist member of Parliament.

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