Disability measures welcomed

Budgetary measures aimed at improving the employment opportunities of disabled people have been welcomed by the National Commission Persons With Disability.

This year the commission had focused on pushing measures concerning employment and was glad the government had implemented most of its recommendations, commission chairman Joe Camilleri said.

Throughout the year, the commission had insisted not enough jobs were being made available for people with disabilities. Not only were disabled people finding it hard to land a job but the jobs they were eventually given were normally well below the level of their capability.

Measures introduced in Monday's Budget include incentives for employers who incur expenses to improve workplace accessibility to new employees with a disability.

A new Employment and Training Corporation scheme was also announced to assist disabled people over 16 to integrate in the job market.

Funds allocated to Aġenzija Sapport were increased by €500,000. The government agency provides community and residential services to persons with a disability and their families.

Mr Camilleri said he could not say the measures announced in the Budget were enough as there was still a lot to be done in the field. However, he said, it was "fairly positive" given the economic scenario.

He welcomed the government's initiative to curb abuse of social benefits to ensure help would be granted to those who really needed it.

Mr Camilleri hoped in future the government would address the need for more specialised transport for disabled people and make public transport more accessible.

Next month, the commission will be launching the national policy regarding employment and disabled persons to mark Disability Week, he added.