It all starts when the new parents are told that their newborn has a disability. That’s when the journey of all the family begins, especially for the newborn – from birth through adulthood.

For the past six years, the Down Syndrome Association has been asking the authorities to acquire premises where adult children with an intellectual disability can meet up socially and enjoy themselves like their mainstream peers.

The authorities concerned had repeatedly asked us to identify the place. Finally, when we managed to do so, our choices were refused mainly for “business reasons”.

Surely, a person with an intellectual disability should not be considered a second-class citizen nor should his/her needs and rights be subject to business considerations. It does not mean that such a person cannot go out and socialise in a “safe environment” adapted to his/her needs.

Unfortunately, this is the message being sent out when the authorities prefer to lease out vacant places for business purposes to making one place available to be converted into a leisure club for adult persons with intellectual disability.

We Maltese have come a long way in our awareness of disability and a lot has been done. However, it is imperative that a location is identified where such persons can socialise with their peers without being pressured to act “normally”.

This facility would help them gain self esteem and move on and integrate in society. Our children are very sensitive to their surroundings and need a place where they can express themselves without being looked down upon or even bullied. So it would definitely be a step in the right direction to offer these persons a place where they can be themselves and interact in a way that can enhance their social skills under supervision.

A leisure club will realise our dream and our adult children’s wishes and, at the same time, help them live an independent life.

We publicly ask the authorities concerned to heed our adult citizens who have Down Syndrome or suffer from some intellectual disability and who have been asking for a leisure club where to socialise with their peers in a place of their choice.

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