As a person with a physical disability I am in favour of a national debate - Disabilities: When The Parents Pass Away (April 15). As already mentioned by the Movement in Favour of Rights for Persons with a Disability this issue is sensitive and urgent and it does merit a discussion on a national scale.

The way forward is towards independent living in one's own home or small group, within the community and not in a centralised home for 50 plus residents, creating "ghettos" of people with disabilities within institutions. Institutionalisation cuts off freedom and choice and binds the "bed occupant" to a regimental daily routine according to staff comfort. This is what happens when the service caters for a mass of people with all forms of disability. The service has to be for the disabled person and not vice versa.

Unfortunately, our culture socially imposes this. Moreover the concept that a family member with a disability has to be taken care of, either by the parents or family carers until they pass away is wrong, as if the state should not share responsibility from day one. Support must be provided at an early stage according to the concerned individual.

Although a few small homes for people with disabilities were set up by Aġenzija Sapport, all in good faith, these were geared for people with intellectual disabilities. In fact this has led people with severe physical disabilities, who cannot sustain an independent life in the community or continue to sustain an independent life, to be institutionalised in residences like St Vincent de Paule. This reflects the lack of consultation as expressed by MFRD.

I urge other persons with a disability to voice their views and concerns in this matter in a constructive manner without any political bias. After all this issue concerns us persons with disabilities directly.