Like all young women, Jeanesse Abela likes hanging out with friends and meeting new people, but felt for a long time there were not enough opportunities for disabled people like herself.
“About eight years ago, I was going through a very bad patch and decided something needed to be done so people with physical disabilities would have the opportunity to meet up and socialise,” the 34-year-old said.
Born prematurely at seven months, Jeanesse has cerebral palsy and is looked after by her father, now in his 60s. For several years, she has campaigned on the need for policy change to enable the disabled to live normal lives.
Determined to take action she and her friend, Michelle Farrugia, brainstormed and decided to set up Living Ability Not Disability (Land) - a voluntary organisation aimed at promoting inclusion, education and independence for young people with physical disabilities.
Now, for the second year running, Land is participating in the International Summer Camp, consisting of a week of interaction of people from over 20 countries through activities, sports, international nights, cultural exchanges and development of friendship. These activities are diverse and cater for youths with disabilities.
The camp will be held in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, between July 23 and 30, and six members with a disability and five personal assistants from Land will be participating. Land is looking for sponsors for financial backing to cover some of the expenses, including flights, accommodation and transport costs.
“The camp is important for us as we can go abroad without our parents. It helps us become independent and grow up and give us the opportunity to try out adventurous things not available in Malta and, most importantly, socialise with other youths from the entire world,” Ms Abela said.
Independence is one of the main priorities for Land and a personal dream of Ms Abela’s.
“My dream is to become more independent, to be able to live on my own, to travel as much as possible, and maybe even start my own family,” she said.
She added that Land promoted independent living as it enabled control of one’s life with the right equipment and human resources.
“A number of our disabled members and their aides attended conferences abroad and participated in this matter to broaden knowledge and thus share.
“However, it emerged that members and their aides who are employed in the public service aren’t entitled to paid leave to specifically attend these conferences which undermine such golden opportunities within the EU structure.
“We have written to the Prime Minister about this sensitive matter and are still awaiting a reply,” she said.
To help Land, visit www.landmalta.org, e-mail landcontact@hotmail.com, or call 9946 8814 or 7938 5991.
Money donations can be deposited in HSBC account 075038646050 or BOV account 40014854613.