The National Commission Persons with Disability (NCPD) has filed a judicial protest against a Sliema outlet which, ironically, sells equipment to assist people with disabilities.
The commission said that in terms of the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act it had protested over lack of physical access to Firstar Health Care Ltd which sells apparata, including wheelchairs, to disabled persons.
“Over the last months KNPD has been holding a series of discussions with Firstar aimed at ensuring that this retail outlet has, at the very least, an entrance which is compliant with Access for All Guidelines published by KNPD thus ensuring full access to persons with mobility impairments. Unfortunately this aim could not be reached,” the commission said.
It said a judicial protest has also been filed against the Rational Pharmacy, of Birkirkara, which, according to the building permit issued by MEPA, should have been accessible to all.
The commission said it is again asking the management of both Firstar Health Care Ltd.,and Rational Pharmacy to find a solution to their respective problems, thereby ensuring access for persons with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users, who make use of the essential services they provided.