The government agency providing community and residential services to persons with disability and their families marked its 10th anniversary yesterday.

Having applauded a poetry recital by Joseph Grima and a coordinated dance performed by members of the Mtarfa Resource day centre, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had heartfelt words of thanks for all those who had contributed to the agency.

“Malta has come a long way in its approach to disability and it is all thanks to you,” Dr Gonzi said. “We now depart from one guiding principle: that it is society that must adapt to those with special needs and not the other way round.”

He reiterated the importance of adopting a positive approach toward disability: “People must be seen for what they can do, not for what they cannot”.

The sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister were echoed by Marcel Pisani, CEO of Aġenzija Sapport, as the agency is called in Maltese.

Agency staff are due to move into a new centralised headquarters in Sta Venera next year and there are also plans to launch a children’s therapy and residence programme in Birżebbuġa as well as specialised employment training programmes in Pembroke in 2012.

Mr Pisani made a Christmas wish in the Prime Minister’s presence. “Demand has grown significantly over the years and so has the government’s support. Let’s hope that this support can keep on growing to ensure the disabled are empowered to live as they deserve to.”

The CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, Sina Bugeja, reminded her audience that Aġenzija Sapport was more than a “mere” service provider.

“Aside from providing much-needed services to the disabled, Aġenzija Sapport is there to help eliminate inequalities, create an equal opportunities society, improve its clients’ quality of life and make them more independent,” Ms Bugeja said.