A new national policy on the rights of persons with disability calls for better legislation, better integration in the workforce and greater participation in the public administration.
The policy, launched today, was unveiled at the new ICT faculty building at the University. It proposes measures that can provide a basis for a National Disability Strategy Framework.
These include better accessibility in public and private buildings, better qualified learning support assistants in schools, basic sign language skills for all educators, and sign interpretation during court proceedings.
It also calls for a national policy on the sexual expression of persons with disability and more support for their families
Social Policy Minister Michael Farrugia said that the government would lead by example employing 80 persons with disability in Gozo.
Earlier today, the Nationalist Party presented a private members' Bill proposing autonomy for the National Commission for Persons' with Disability, which should be set up as a parliamentary office.
The bill was presented by Stephen Spiteri.