Persons with Disability (KNPD) notes with satisfaction that its efforts to educate the media in its coverage of disabled people are being regarded as very worthwhile by The Times, as shown in its editorial of January 15 entitled Rights Not Charity.

As the editorial affirms, it is important for people working in the media to present a faithful account of disabled people's experiences without constantly resorting to depictions of disabled people aimed at evoking emotions of pity or charity in the public. Such tactics achieve little beyond reinforcing negative stereotypes and ultimately they perpetuate the exclusion of disabled people from mainstream society.

We encourage people operating in the media, as well as NGOs working in the sector, to obtain a free copy of the Rights Not Charity guidelines by visiting the site and clicking on the Publications folder, or by ringing us on 2148 7789 and leaving their postal details, or even by visiting our offices located at: Kummissjoni Nazzjonali Persuni b'Diżabilitŕ (National Commission Persons with Disability), Istituto Vincenzo Bugeja, Ċentru Ħidma Soċjali, Triq Braille, Sta Venera.

We encourage people working in the media and NGOs to refer to this document to ensure that disabled people are included in every aspect of Maltese society.

Those requiring further information on how to use this document are encouraged to consult with KNPD.