Pio Fenech, PRO, Down Syndrome Association, Valletta
The good and bad of public transport (2)
A lot has been said and written about the present public transport system.
The Down Syndrome Association would like to draw the attention of those concerned with the schedules and the possible changes in bus routes to keep in mind that the public transport is there for all to use. Using the public transport helps persons with disability obtain more independency and so great care ought to be taken to make the public transport really accessible for all; accessible in all senses.
The use of the public transport ought to be such that a person with intellectual disability can make use of the system. The Down Syndrome Association urges and encourages more ease to use public transport to destinations around Malta and Gozo.
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Mr Philip Grech
Aug 16th 2011, 19:56
I agree entirely with this statement by the DSA. my 19 year old son with Down syndrome was using th previous bus service to go to Mellieha or Paceville from Attard with complete independence. This after a period of training and some follow-ups.
Since July 4 this has been impossible with the irregularities of the new service and even to return from Mriehel to Attard ahs taken over an hour. To re-learn the new system will first require a lot of confidence building measures by Arriva, and a huge improvement in reliability.
Accessibility to transport for the disabled very important and was an expected deliverable. Instead, my son has lost 2 months of independence.
Down Syndrome Association Down Syndrome Association
Aug 15th 2011, 13:37
Excluding no one
Down Syndrome Association Down Syndrome Association
Aug 15th 2011, 11:33
"The Down Syndrome Association urges and encourages more easy to use public transport" quoted statement. An easy to use public transport system. People who have no intellectual disability have been airing their own concerns and putting on black and white the problems they are presently encountering with the public transport.
Nothwithstanding, these same people managed to get to their destination. Some of them also decided to start using their own personal transport. A person who has an intellectual disability cannot decide to begin using his/her own transport. If the transport system is not easy to use, this same person can find it really hard to get to his/her own destination thus limiting his independence.
This is not a case of fitting around the world. WE are doing the system and so the system ought to be professionally planned to fit ALL in - excluding one.
Nathalie Frendo
Aug 15th 2011, 10:33
A person with limited mental capabilities needs specific things for his/her specific needs. It is not easy to always fit the world around everybody but sometimes some people have to fit around the world.
Mr Karl Consiglio
Aug 15th 2011, 17:46
But again, can someone please specify what specific needs are required in this area?
Mr Karl Consiglio
Aug 15th 2011, 08:25
@Pio Fenech,
"....accessible in all senses..." You sound a bit vague, what exactly do you want? Ok say a person with a wheelchair needs a ramp, a person with Down Syndrome needs a ....please specify!