The Opposition is to propose a constitutional amendment to outlaw any discrimination against persons with disability, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said this morning.

Speaking during a visit to Arka Foundation in Gozo, he said a private member’s motion will be presented tomorrow.

He observed that according to the 2011 census, 30,183 persons in Malta, or 7.2 per cent of the population, suffered from some kind of disability.

Dr Busuttil said that over the years, the former PN governments had brought in various legal amendments to benefit people with disabilities, including the Equal Opportunities (Persons with a disability) Act, inclusive education, the provisions of the Industrial Relations Act, measures to make it easier for persons with disabilities to sit for exams and the ratification of the optional protocol UN Convention of Persons with Disabilities.

He augured that the constitutional amendment would lead to further change, including recognition of sign language, the introduction of the concept of trusted friend in the electoral law and the removal of barriers for social integration, making independent living easier.

Dr Busuttil was accompanied by MP Stephen Cachia and EP elections candidate Therese Comodini Cachia.

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