"Labour leader Joseph Muscat has called for a national debate on what happens to persons with disabilities once their parents pass away." (April 7)

The Movement in Favour of Rights for Persons with a Disability (MFRPD) supports this call as this issue is a very sensitive one for all parents/carers of persons with a disability. This issue has never been given the attention it merits. Although we already have some residential homes, lots and lots of parents of persons with a disability were not even aware about the planning and decisions taking place on this issue before the opening of these same homes - and of course their feedback was never ever asked for. Neither were lots of parents aware of the waiting list of persons who wished to benefit from these homes, a waiting list that already existed when these homes were opened. In our opinion this is the result of lack of transparency, lack of involvement of all stakeholders concerned and lack of serious planning and decision making.

The MFRPD was one of the many other organisations that was not even aware of the planning of such homes, let alone consulted on this issue. Lack of consultation with all stakeholders concerned prevails in this little island. This is not the first time the MFRPD has publicly made such statements but unfortunately we continue to be ignored.

It is a blessing that now the Leader of the Opposition himself is speaking about the need for such a national debate. We hope that his voice is heard and if not, that his party will make sure that it does. If we need good results, all stakeholders concerned should and ought to be consulted and their input should be considered.

What is the use of consulting when and if the decisions have already been taken? If not all stakeholders are given the opportunity to give their feedback on the subject? If it is not the person with a disability who is to be the focus? If the usual lack of funds situation is to decide what type of service we are to give? If one size is to fit all?

The movement, like many other organisations, wishes for all the parents to be able to put their minds at rest that their sons/daughters are being taken good care of after they are gone; that their sons/daughters will continue to live an independent life with others with their same abilities in a good environment when they (parents) are no longer here.

Let the discussions begin!

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