The sum voted in the last budget to address many long-pending issues concerning persons with disability goes nowhere to satisfy the demand. To make matters worse, this sum is now being reduced substantially as a measure to reduce budget spending as directed by the European Union.

The National Parents’ Society of Persons with Disability (NPSPD) would like to voice its disapproval and concern at this decision. To pick on this defenceless section of society is nothing less than deplorable and shameful. The acute shortage of community-based residential homes for the disabled, the long waiting lists, some going back to four years and more, for services by Aġenzija Sapport, the ever increasing list of disabled persons waiting for a placement in the day centres and other issues, will once again be neglected due to lack of funds.

The suggestion by the chairman of the National Commission Persons with Disability for a commitment to provide 10 residential units every year to satisfy demand has been completely ignored. Likewise the request for an increase in the disability pension to allow for a decent living without having to resort to charity for basic needs as is evident from the various fundraising activities promoted continuously in the media. This culture of begging and constant fundraising is having a humiliating and degrading effect on persons with a disability and reducing their social status to second-class citizens.

Like all other citizens, persons with a disability have a right for a reasonable, decent life without having to rely on charity for fundamental needs.

This is clearly defined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability.

We question why the government is hesitating to fully ratify this convention.