Gozo churches urged to provide easier access for persons with disabilities

P Calleja Casha

Feb 16th 2010, 10:24

I live in Tarxien where the local parrochial authorities have decided to remove an access ramp at the Resurrection Church because aesthetically it is not so pleasing! This took place over a year ago. Nothing was done to replace it. But in the mean time the church was given a ‘facelift’ with new tiles installed on the parvis. So, whoever needs to go into the church and is using a wheelchair, pram or pushchair needs to first go into the church grounds (cemetery) through a particular gate, then go round the whole church yard so they may access it from one door only where the step is low enough so as not to be of much hinderance. Also parts of the cemetery have remained inaccessible making it impossible for a wheelchair user to visit the grave of beloved ones departed. Well I say is this the way the Church embraces diversity? I think not!

O Galea

Feb 15th 2010, 17:18

if my comments seem disjointed it's because somehow the first "half" didn't make it !

s coleiro

Feb 15th 2010, 16:16

Not Gozo only...........St lawrence Chruch in Vittoriosa there is no access for disable persons.

O Galea

Feb 15th 2010, 15:57

Some of the EU funds for the disabled (funds mentioned on the KNPD website) should be spent on creating a ward for these people. They are not old. some still in their 20s ! Also, they need carers who have time and bother to make conversation with them. Social workers who should visit them to see how they (and their relatives) are getting along and coping with the many serious problems these people face... but don't get me started on this.
BOTTOM LINE..... there are other disabled people to whom "wheelchair access" to a bank, restaurant or church is the least of their worries.... Disabled persons who have to spend much of THEIR WHOLE LIVES in an old people's home coz of the severity of their disability. People with brains functioning at 100% What is ANYBODY - with "power" - doing for these people ? PLEASE get a ward organised and put them together. There's plenty of space on in St. Vincent de Paule grounds.

Victor Galea

Feb 15th 2010, 14:08

Good morning KNPD
Welcome to Gozo.....fl-ahhar!

N. Bprg

Feb 15th 2010, 13:59

If a disabled person is able to prove that they can repay loan commitments then they should be granted the possibility of having a loan. however if their income is doubtful, then like the rest of the population who has doubtful income, they should be treated accordingly.

Jesmond Micallef

Feb 15th 2010, 13:46

To The National Commission, Persons with Disability. You have my full support.

May I quote : "He said there had also been complaints by people with disabilities about difficulties to get home loans, travel insurance and life insurance. He said that in many cases, the issues were resolved when the commission intervened."

Does this need further comment here ?

Alfred Briffa

Feb 15th 2010, 11:59

A typical unaccessible church for persons with disabilities in Gozo is tha Chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel at Xlendi!
Even persons with no disabilities and elderly find it difficult to climb its stairs!
In fact this was my comment yesterday when I heard the Chapel rector invoking parishioners to donate money for five sets of 'damask' for the main alter walls!!. It would surely be more beneficial if a stairlift is installed instead of futile ornaments! At least it will serve two purposes, one of accessibility and two increasing attendance to church activities.