Having just returned home from a meeting at the Inspire Foundation, I was inspired to write down my reflections on the issues raised by parents concerned about the future of their children who have some form of disability.

It is impressive how quickly politicians forget their passionate rhetoric and empathy during election time. Quite a good number pose as champions of specific social needs, which cover the whole spectrum of social problems.

Such profound feelings usually fade soon after election time, to be replaced by grandiose projects which boost the image of the new government. Usually these take the form of mega structures which stand as permanent reminders of the benevolence, wisdom and power of the state.

Thus we have plans to build a majestic roofless theatre and forget that people with certain disabilities risk being roofless themselves when their parents pass away. We also plan to rebuild a €3 million bridge blown up by the Italians during World War II, and at the same time forget to build social bridges within the community to accommodate people with disabilities.

Recently, a politician started a crusade (which may be justified), because we will be deprived of our choice to watch full coverage of the World Cup, forgetting that parents of people with disabilities have a very limited choice of places to send their children for further education and job training once they finish compulsory education.

We have wide coverage of politicians, MEPs and NGOs pursuing funds to reach out, rescue, educate, train and integrate migrants, but few show such zeal in reaching out to our disadvantaged children.

All hell broke loose and heads rolled because about 400 students were deprived of EU funding for certain projects, but no one flinches when parents of people with certain disabilities have to pay for their children's training after secondary school (not even tax rebates as in the case of private schools or registered sports clubs).

Lastly, one is impressed (and rightly so), by the projected figures of employment when certain ventures materialise (5,000 at Smart City, 800 at White Rocks Sports Project); but where do people with a disability figure in such projects?

It's like being thirsty, stranded on a raft in the middle of the ocean, crying 'Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink!'

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