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

We had been continuously asked by the authorities concerned to identify the place. Finally, when we managed to do so, our choices have been repetitively refused mainly for ‘business intentions’. Having an intellectual disability does not mean that this person is a second class citizen, nor does it mean that business should come before his or her needs and rights.

It does not mean that he or she cannot go out and socialise in a ‘safe environment’ adapted to his and her needs. Unfortunately this is the message being sent out when the authorities prefer to try to lease out vacant places for business purposes, rather than making one place available to be converted into a leisure club for adult persons with intellectual disability.

The Maltese islands have come a long way in the disability sector and a lot has been achieved.

However, it is imperative that a location is identified where adult persons with intellectual disability can socialise with peers without being subjected to pressure from people around them to act in a ‘normal’ fashion.

Such a place would greatly help such persons gain self esteem and to be able to move on and integrate in society. Our children are very sensitive of their surroundings and need a place where they can express themselves without being looked down at, pointed at, gossiped about and taken for a ride or bullied.

It will 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 in any way they please under watchful supervision.

We publicly ask the authorities concerned to listen to our adult citizens who have Down Syndrome and to all the other persons with intellectual disability who have been asking for a leisure club to socialise with their peers in a place of their choice.

They are fed up of having to stay at home during the weekend or else to go out with their parents.

Some might remark that this is segregation. Whoever states this is wrong. These persons are asking for a choice where to socialise with their friends.

Please give them a choice.