Sebastian Camilleri receives around €300 a month in benefits - equivalent to 55 per cent of the minimum wage. It is not enough to cover his basic expenses, like food, water and electricity bills, and the added costs brought about by his disability.

The 21-year-old was born with cerebral palsy, which means he can never be fully independent. Due to damage in a part of his brain, he lacks muscle coordination.

His mother, Marchita, gently strokes her son's face as she reflects on the fact that, as time passes, looking after him becomes harder each day.

"For as long as I can, I will look after him. But I know I can't do this forever," she says, appealing to the authorities to increase support for parents of disabled children.

"It is unfair that, after a certain age, the government still relies on parents. We need help. The benefits have to reflect the real needs of people like Seby. He can't work so he will have to rely on this money. If the minimum wage is meant to cover a person's basic needs, then why isn't he given the full amount?"

Mr Camilleri's costs include purchasing and maintenance of equipment like a wheelchair, transport and carer services when required.

"If the amount were increased, he could afford to pay a carer when I am no longer around," she said, adding that checks must be put in place to ensure there was no abuse of the disability benefit system.

"My dream is that when he gets older he can afford a full-time carer to look after him in his own home rather than live in a home forthe disabled. But with my salary and his poor disability benefit, this is impossible," she said.

The lack of a Guardian Act in Maltese law, she added, showed that government assumed parents would look after disabled people for good.

Mr Camilleri's benefit cheques go directly to his mother even though he is over 18. The act would establish a legal guardian - anybody who is willing to take responsibility for the person.

The National Commission for People with a Disability is currently finalising an employment policy to ensure that disabled people are allowed to develop their talents, work, and take their rightful place in society. The policy was the subject of a consultation conference held to mark world disability day last Thursday.

But due to his condition, Mr Mangiafico will not be able to work and his mother is appealing for people like him not to be shunned by the system.

"Seby is still learning, even though slowly. Till today, he learns new things. Even if it's as small as wiping his mouth... it's a tiny victory," she said with a smile.

Since the age of five, Mr Camilleri has attended a school for disabled children where he will stay till he turns 23. After that, his mother hopes he will be accepted to attend one of the day centres - but waiting lists are lengthy.

She suggests that users over 60 should be moved to other facilities, like homes for the elderly, to make space for younger people.

"Deep inside him there are the same feelings of any young man. If I put on music loud, his face lights up... He, and others like him, should be given opportunities to make the most of life," she said.