I have a

The University of Malta, including the Junior College, has the ACCESS-Disability Support Unit (ADSU) that supports students with disability, including those who have impairments, medical conditions or specific learning difficulties, to continue their studies in these institutions. University regulations have been adapted to make it more accessible to these students. The University also provides exam arrangements, both for MATSEC and its internal exams, according to the needs of persons with disability. A large part of the University campus is physically accessible to all, including persons with disability. The University also provides sign language interpreting for Deaf students, scanning services for blind students, and the services of an occupational therapist. The University strives to provide tailor-made support to its students with disability. It is therefore important for disabled students to approach the ADSU as soon as they have decided to continue their education with the University.

More information can be obtained from the University publication “The University of Malta Access Arrangements” that can be downloaded, together with relevant forms, from https://www.um.edu.mt/access/about.

ACCESS-Disability Support Unit

Room 109, Old Humanities Building, University of Malta, L-Imsida

Tel: 23402557

Email: adsu@um.edu.mt

Website: https://www.um.edu.mt/access

You may wish to read the Guidelines on Sexuality and Relationships Education in Maltese Schools (December, 2013) issued by the Ministry for Education and Employment. You can either liaise with the teacher who is tackling the topic in class such as the PSD teacher, or with the Head of Department (Inclusion) and the Learning Support Educator (LSE).

The Guidelines may be accessed through the following link: https://education.gov.mt/en/resources/Documents/Policy%20Documents%202014/Guidelines%20on%20Sexuality%20booklet.pdf

Head – Transport
Vincent Cassar

Address
Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation (MEYR)

Great Siege Road Floriana

Tel 25981888

Email vincent.cassar@gov.mt

Aġenzija Sapport is the national agency that provides a wide array of services for persons with disability and their families, both in Malta and Gozo – services that are aimed to improve the quality of life of persons with disability and their family.

Aġenzija Sapport provides services that are developed in a personalised manner, according to the personal circumstances of each case. The services are aimed towards persons with a physical and/or intellectual disability from birth up to 60 years of age.

Services Offered by Aġenzija SAPPORT include:

Social Work Services

The Social Work Services provide support and advice to persons with disability, as well as help to access various support services across Malta and Gozo, including those of the Agency itself and other entities.

Community Services

The Community Services offer personal assistance and interventions through carers to help persons with disability at home, in the workplace and in the community, for the person with disability to lead an independent life. The Agency also operates a number of schemes through which financial subsidies are offered so that the family may seek the services of a carer of their own choice.

Residential Services

The Agency manages a number of apartments / houses in Malta and Gozo that offers a family home environment for persons with disability who for some reason cannot continue living with their family.

Day Services

Different types of programmes, created by professionals are carried out in the Day Services to help persons with disability to continue developing their potential and to live as independently as possible, whilst enhancing their abilities.

Subsidy schemes on transport, and specialised and assistive equipment

The Empowerment Scheme gives financial assistance to persons with disability to be able to buy equipment in order to assist in leading an independent life. It also offers subsidies on transport service to persons with disability to be able to go to work, post-secondary education institutions and sport activities.

Subsidy schemes and exemptions on vehicle road licence and vehicle registration tax

These schemes refer to partial or full payment of road licence and registration tax, to give persons with disability the opportunity to have a suitable means of transport.

Sign Language Interpretation Services

Aġenzija Sapport offers the Sign Language Interpretation Service for Deaf persons who use the Maltese Sign Language (LSM). The interpretation services are offered to facilitate communication in everyday life.

Assessment for independent living in relation to mobility, including adaptive driving

These services lead to more independence through use of mobility equipment and include Wheelchair and Seating Assessments; Driving Assessments, car adaptations and driving simulation, as well as driving lessons using a modified car, through the Adaptive Driving Motoring School.

Assessment and guidance in relation to assistive technology

This service supports the individual’s communication, independence, quality of life and participation in society by the use of assistive technology for those individuals who present with complex communication needs.

Social contact opportunities

Sharing Lives, through volunteers, organise social activities and befriend persons with disability allowing them to form friendships with other persons with a disability and with the volunteers and share experiences according to their likes.

When a person requests a service from Aġenzija Sapport, the Agency’s Social Workers assess the situation to be able to refer and guide the person with disability and his/her family to the appropriate services according to their needs.

Services Offered to Disabled Persons Over the Age of 60

The Active Ageing offers you the following services if you are 60 years or older:

Active Ageing Centres

These are day centres where you can meet and participate in enjoyable, educational or social activities. These centres are spread all over the island: 25 in Malta. They are provided against a fee depending on the number of days per week you attend and whether you are single or a couple.

Carer at Home Scheme

The Department can provide you with financial assistance if you decide to employ a qualified carer of your choice to assist you in your daily needs to continue live in your house.

Night Shelter

This Night Shelter service is provided to you if you live alone or feel insecure to pass the night in your house. These shelters are available in Żejtun, Mellieħa, Fgura, St Vincent de Paule and in Għajnsielem.

Respite at Home

This service offers a qualified care worker who will stay at home with the senior citizen to provide the informal caregiver a temporary break from the caregiving, whilst the dependent senior citizen continues to receive the care in his own environment.

1) Full Week (Monday – Sunday) for 24 hours. Package can be used after a six week break period between one package and another, up to three times a year, or;

2) Full Week (Monday-Sunday) 8am till 5 pm. Package can be used after a six week break period between one package and another, up to eight times a year, or;

3) Two days per week for a series of seven weeks. Days of the week are to be chosen by client/relative and will be fixed for the seven weeks of the service provision. Package can be used again after two months, up to four times a year, or;

4) Two days per week with 4.5 hours each day for a duration of one whole year, or;

5) One day per week for 9.5 hours once weekly for a duration of one whole year, or;

6) Single Respite ONE OFF Interventions (Day or NIGHT) – three Single Respite Days. Package can be used up to three times a year

Residential Respite

Residential respite service provides planned short-term breaks for the informal caregivers of senior citizens who are dependent. This service is provided for a maximum of three weeks of care service in a Care Home for senior citizens. Informal caregivers may make use of this service three times a year.

Community Geriatric

You can ask for a geriatric assessment by a Community Geriatrician and other professionals if you are older than 60 years and are homebound and in need of non-acute medical intervention.

Social Work

This service aims to provide senior citizens with psychological support, guidance and assistance. It also provides advocacy for clients, facilitates self-help management and action plans, performs crisis intervention work, assessments and referrals to other services.

Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Podiatry Services

These services provide homebound senior citizens assessments, therapeutic and rehabilitiation programmes.

Telephone Rent Rebate

If you are older than 60 years and have the Pink Form you can benefit from a subsidy on the rental of your GO home telephone. This subsidy does not apply if your telephone is with another company and there is no subsidy on phone calls. The Pink form can be obtained from the Department of Social Security if your income and capital do not exceed a certain sum.

Phlebotomy

This service consists of the withdrawal of blood for blood investigation and transporting the blood samples to Pathology Department at Mater Dei Hospital. The aim of this service is the provision of phlebotomy to housebound senior citizens and persons with a disability at their own home.

Services Offered to Disabled Persons Irrespective of Age

The Active Ageing and Community Care offers you these services irrespective of your age:

Home Help Service

Offers you assistance if you are a disabled person whatever your age; however if you are below 60 years of age, you have to be in possession of the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) Special Identity Card (which has now become the EU Disability Card). Care assistants help you with light domestic chores, shopping and preparation of light meals in your house. It is provided against a fee.

Continence Service

This service supports you if you are incontinent by providing you with disposable continence products. If you are in possession of the CRPD Special Identity Card you can receive these nappies free of charge; whilst if you are over 60 years and do not have this Card, you can buy these nappies at a reduced price.

Telecare

If you have a fixed telephone line, are over the age of 60 or are under the age of sixty but have a chronic illness, you can have a special telephone set, and in case of emergency you can alert a call centre by phoning or pushing a special button which you can carry with you. This call centre will then see that the necessary help is given to you. This service is provided against a charge.

Meals on Wheels

If you are a disabled person over 60 years or are under 60 but have the CRPD Special Identity Card, you can buy a hot meal a day delivered to your home at a subsidised fee. The meal is delivered chilled so that it can be consumed at one’s own convenience. It is to be ensured that such meals must be heated prior of being consumed.

Handyman Service

This service provides you with assistance to undertake repair jobs in the house by electricians, carpenters, painters, plumbers or to transport heavy items from one place to another in your house. You can receive this service if you are over 60 years of age or, have a CRPD Special Identity Card if you are aged less than 60 years.

Domiciliary Nursing/Caring

This service provides you with the nursing or caring services you need at home because you are home-bound, have been discharged from hospital, to prepare you for an operation or because the services required cannot be provide at the health centres. This service is provided to all persons who need it irrespective of age.

Dementia Intervention Team and Activity Centres

If you or your family thinks that you have dementia you can ask for an assessment by the Dementia Intervention Team. Moreover, you can attend the Dementia Activity Centre that can provide you the necessary therapy and your carer the necessary respite.

Silver-T service

This service consists of local transport for senior citizens over 60 years of age to conduct their daily errands within the community, such as visiting the bank, the local market, the clinic, the Local Council and places of worship. One needs to book two days in advance on 21695544.

Community Psychogeriatric Service

This service aims to provide a psychiatric evaluation to senior citizens who are homebound due to physical or mental health problems. Such cases can be referred by the family doctor to the CommCare and/or Dementia Intervention Team.

Aġenzija Sapport

Patri Ġwann Azzopardi Street, Santa Venera
Tel: 22568000
Email: sapport@gov.mt

Jobsplus

The authority that can assist and employer in identifying the action that is to be taken to provide reasonable accommodation is the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD).

There is also the Workplace Accessibility Tax Deduction Scheme, where employers who incur extra costs to adapt their building, acquire new equipment, modify existing equipment or give extra training to employ a disabled person, can have such costs deducted from their income tax up to a maximum of 20,000 Euro[1]. This scheme is offered by the CRPD and more information can be found here: http://crpd.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/004-101203_workplacexstaxded-1.pdf.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, B’Kara

Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555 / Gozo Office: 21556002

Gozo Office

Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat

Tel: 21556002

Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt

Website: https://crpd.org.mt

An employer is duty bound to make reasonable accommodation for the disabled employee.

Reasonable accommodation for the disabled employee has to be weighed against undue hardship for the employer. So consideration has to be given to the nature and cost of the accommodation, financial resources of the business or facility that would require accommodation, number of workers at the work place, impact of the accommodation on the facility’s expenses, resources or operations, employer’s overall size, nature and resources and type of operations impacted by the accommodation.

If you feel that you have been victimised because you used the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability as you felt discriminate because of your disability, you can lodge a complaint with the same Commission to investigate and, if needs be, take the case even to Court. You can also opt to take the case to court yourself through your lawyer or your trade union.

If you feel victimised because you have used the Industrial Tribunal as you felt discriminated because of your disability, you can ask the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations or the Police to investigate. You can also opt to take the case to court yourself through your lawyer or your trade union.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, B’kara
Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555

Gozo Office
Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002

Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt
Website: https://crpd.org.mt

The Department for Industrial & Employment Relations

121, Triq Melita, Il-Belt Valletta
Tel: 21224245/6
Email: info.dier@gov.mt

If you feel that you did not get a promotion because of your disability, you can lodge a complaint with the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability to investigate and, if need be, take the case even to Court.

You can also take such a case to the Industrial Tribunal through your lawyer or trade union or by asking the Department for Industrial & Employment Relations (DIER) to investigate.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, B’kara
Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555

Gozo Office
Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002
Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt

Website: https://crpd.org.mt

The Department for Industrial & Employment Relations

121, Triq Melita, Il-Belt Valletta

Tel: 21224245/6

Email: info.dier@gov.mt

Yes, provided you are registered as a disabled person with the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) and are able to perform in essence the duties of the vacancy you are applying for.

In order to request reasonable accommodation in connection with an application for a post or position within the Public Service, you have to fill in the form found here: https://publicservice.gov.mt/en/people/Documents/People-Resourcing-Compliance/Forms-Templates/Other-templates/KNPD-Reasonable-Accomodation-for-Registered-Persons-With-Disability.docx.

You should submit this form attached to your application for the post, together with a copy of your Special Identity Card / EU Disability Card, and a copy of a medical certificate from a specialist medical practitioner attesting your disability. The Public Service Commission will decide whether one or more eligibility requirements should be waivered (or not), and give instructions to the Selection Board.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, Birkirkara
Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555 / Gozo Office: 21556002
Gozo Office
Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002
Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt
Website: https://crpd.org.mt

The employer is obliged to register your employment with Jobsplus by filling up the commencement form. You are expected to receive a confirmation letter from Jobsplus shortly after you start your employment. If you do not receive any, you can contact or visit one of Jobsplus centres.

Employers normally provide a payslip showing your payment of NI contributions. Moreover, you can either visit the nearest Social Security Office to confirm your contributions or check your contributions through mygov.mt. Please note, however, that the data available may not be up-to-date and it might take months before the data shows up.

Jobsplus

Hal Far Road
Hal Far BBG 3000
Tel: 22201402
Social Security District Offices:
Website: https://socialsecurity.gov.mt/en/information-and-applications-for-benefits-and-services/social-security-contributions/

Replace this sentence with the old one, also update contact: Richmond Foundation provides day and community facilities, support and services related to mental health. For more information see: http://www.richmond.org.mt or contact on:

Richmond Foundation

Address: MCE House, Triq L-Industrija, Qormi CBD5030
Tel: 21669150
Email: info@richmond.org.mt
Website: www.richmond.org.mt

Aġenzija SAPPORT offers various services to support you in taking care of your child at home. It can offer you a number of hours of support a week according to your need. You can either employ a carer yourself and then receive a subsidy from the Agency, or else the carer can be provided by the Agency themselves (or a combination of the two). If your child’s needs are great (for example you need a live-in carer), you will have to find the carer yourself and the Agency will support you financially.

You have first to make contact with the social worker of the Agency and together draw up an Individual Service Plan for your child which is then referred to the appropriate Committee Board for approval.

The Home Help Care, the Continence Service and the Domiciliary Nursing Service provided by the Department of Elderly and Community Care can also be of help to you as a parent of a disabled child. The Home Help Care, provided against a fee, can assist you with light domestic chores and shopping. The Continence Service provides you with free nappies if your child in incontinent. If your child is home-bound and needs nursing care, you can ask for the help of the Domiciliary Nursing/Caring Service.

You may also need respite care services so that you and your family can find respite from the constant care of your disabled relative (e.g. child, sibling). The Foundation for Respite Care Services (Dar il-Kaptan) in Imtarfa and Fondazzjoni Arka in Għajnsielem Gozo provide such a service.

Aġenzija Sapport

Triq Fr Ġwann Azzopardi, Santa Venera
Tel: 22568000
Email: sapport@gov.mt
Website: https://sapport.gov.mt/en/Contact-Us/Pages/Contact-Details.aspx

Gozo Office
Learning Hub, Triq, l-Imġarr, Għajnsielem
Tel: 21569909.

Department of Elderly and Community Care

3, Ċentru Servizz Anzjan, Triq Żekka, Il-Belt, Valletta
Freephone 153 / Tel. 2278 8800
E-mail: aaccd-services@gov.mt
Website: www.activeageing.gov.mt

Foundation for Respite Care Services

Dar il-Kaptan, Trejqet Rotary, Imtarfa
Tel: 21450103/4
Email: info@darilkptan.org
Website: http://www.darilkaptan.org/

Fondazzjoni Arka

Triq il-Mogħdija, Għajnsielem, Għawdex
Tel: 21565773/4
Email: respite@go.net.mt

Dar tal-Providenza

Triq Għar l-Lapsi, Is-Siġġiewi
Tel: 21462844
Email: info@dartalprovidenca.org
Website: https://www.dartalprovidenza.org/

Casa Apap Bologna

86, Constitution Street, Mosta
Tel: 21436934, 79786863
Website: http://hila.com.mt/casa-apap-bologna

If you are a disabled person you can apply to the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) to issue you a Special ID Card (SID), which is now the EU Disability Card. The EU Disability Card replaces the old yellow SID card that the Commission issued up to 2017. However, these yellow cards are still valid (until they expire) when used in Malta. This card, which is also issued to children, entitles you to various benefits which can be found here: http://www.eudisabilitycard.org.mt/card.

You can apply for the EU Disability card by contacting the CRPD or through the website: https://www.eudisabilitycard.org.mt/card/apply
The EU Disability Card is also recognised in seven other EU countries: Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Slovenia and Rumania. These countries will advertise benefits that are available to cardholders in their own EU Disability Card websites. This card does not cover EU health insurance: it is purely a card for discounts and benefits, and disabled people should apply for an EHIC card to cover themselves for when travelling in the EU.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, B’kara
Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555

Gozo OfficeSannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002
Email: applyeucard@crpd.org.mt
Website: http://www.eudisabilitycard.org.mt/card

The Sonia Tanti Independent Living Centre in Ħal Far provides advice and information on suitable specialised equipment to be bought by a disabled person to live independently.

Services provided by this centre are:
Wheelchairs and Seating Assessment Unit that helps a person to choose the wheelchair and cushion that best suit his or her particular needs;
Adaptive Driving Assessment and Training Unit that, through a simulation unit, a disabled person is assessed, modifications need to be done on the car are identified and driving lessons on such adapted vehicle are given by trained personnel;

Equipment Demonstration Unit where disabled people can try out various aids that help in their everyday life, prior to purchase such equipment;
A helpline were advice and guidance are given on the purchase of such equipment.

You should always phone the CRPD for an appointment before visiting the centre.

On all matters involving ICT accessibility and alternative accessible media, consultancy and training can be obtained from the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA). Other services provided by FITA are ICT Accessibility Certification for private and commercial websites, information sessions and Braille embossing and enforcement of the Web Accessibility Directive across public entity websites and mobile APP applications.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, B’kara
Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555

Gozo Office
Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002
Email: applyeucard@crpd.org.mt
Website: http://www.eudisabilitycard.org.mt/card

The Foundation for IT Accessibility (FITA)

Gattard House, Triq Nazzjonali, Blata l-Bajda HMR9010
Tel: 2599 2048,25992343
Email: info@fitamalta.eu
Website: https://fitamalta.eu

The Sonia Tanti Independent Living Centre in Ħal Far can help a disabled person, if possible, to drive his or her own vehicle. First, the person is assessed using a simulation unit. Modifications to be made on the car, if any, are recommended and the person is offered driving lessons by trained personnel on such adapted vehicle.

You should always phone the CRPD for an appointment before visiting the Centre.

Sonia Tanti Independent Living Centre

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability
G5 Office, Triq Psaila, Birkirkara, Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555 / Gozo Office: 21556002
Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt
Website: crpd.org.mt

Yes. If you are a person with disability or a member of a family of a person with disability, and need financial assistance to acquire a means of transportation which is suitable to your needs, you can apply to Aġenzija SAPPORT. The Agency will then pass on your details to the Ministry for Finance, Transport Malta and the VAT Department. The Ministry for Finance, on Aġenzija SAPPORT’s recommendation, may issue a full or partial exemption on the Road Licence and / or Registration Tax of a vehicle.

The application form can be accessed here: https://sapport.gov.mt/onlineforms/Pages/VehicleRoadLicenceOrTaxEN.aspx. It can be filled in and submitted online. The application form should be submitted together with a copy of the driving license and proof of receipt of a disability allowance/ pension.

More information can be obtained from:

Aġenzija Sapport

Triq Fr Ġwann Azzopardi, Santa Venera

Tel: 22568000

Email: sapport@gov.mt

Website: https://sapport.gov.mt/en/Pages/Car-Registration-Exemption-.aspx

If you want to apply for a disabled person’s parking permit (also called the Blue Badge, Blue Card and Blue Sticker), whether temporary or permanent, you need to download and fill the mandatory pages of the application form which can be found here: http://crpd.org.mt/services/blue-badge. The application needs to be submitted at the CRPD offices on the address below, from where more information can be obtained.

If the application for a Blue Badge is rejected, the applicant can appeal to the Blue Sticker Appeals Board by writing to the Secretary of this Board (at the address below) within 30 days of the date of the refusal letter. If the refusal is upheld then the applicant must wait for one year from the original application date before re-applying.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, B’kara
Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555

Gozo Office
Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002
Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt
Website: https://crpd.org.mt/services/blue-badge

Transport Malta. You have to fill in the application form that you can obtain from your Local Council. You need to submit the application form, together with the following documents: Copy of ID Card of the applicant, Copy of driver’s ID Card (if driver is not the applicant), Copy of Blue Badge, Copy of Special ID Card / EU Disability Card and Copy of the Log Book, at this address:

Traffic Management and Road Safety Department

Transport Malta Centre,
Triq Pantar,
Lija

More information can be obtained from the address above, by phoning 153, or by visiting this website: https://www.transport.gov.mt/land/roads-and-traffic-management/traffic-management-division/application-for-parking-bays-for-blue-badge-holders-1352

Aġenzija Sapport provides services to persons with disability and their families so that they can continue to live in the community as independently as possible. The Agency usually provides services to disabled people under 60 years of age (however there are some specific services or schemes for which you might be eligible even if you are over 60. So it is advisable to contact Aġenzija Sapport for more information). Elderly disabled persons can also benefit from similar services provided by the Department of Elderly and Community Care.

The services provided by Aġenzija Sapport are:

Social Work Services

This is the first point of contact for disabled persons or their families. The social worker meets the disabled person to assess their needs and together draw up an Individual Support Programme to ensure that these needs can be met as best as possible. They also provide advocacy services and organise support groups for parents and siblings of disabled persons.

Community Services

A disabled person who applies for community services is referred to the appropriate Committee to decide what type of service the disabled person or his/her family need and the amount. The type of services that can be offered include:

Various schemes and support related to carers.

If you use private transport (for work, leisure, study), you can apply for a partial refund of expenses with Aġenzija Sapport.

For more information, contact Aġenzija Sapport on the contact details below.

Residential Services

A disabled person who applies for residential services is referred to the appropriate Committee. Residential Services are provided in small community homes when the family home environment is no longer available to the disabled person. Aġenzija SAPPORT has these homes in the communities of: Fgura, Kirkop, Birżebbuġia, Imtarfa (Villino Maria), Cospicua (Dar Andrew), Siggiewi (Dar Orkidea), Zabbar, Marsa and Pembroke and Rabat, Gozo (Dar il-Fjuri). Furthermore, the Agency, through government agreements with various NGOs, provides residential services to persons with disability in the following communities: Għajnsielem (Dar Arka), B’kara (Dar Pirotta of Dar tal-Providenza), Żurrieq (Shalom of Dar tal-Providenza), Qawra (Akwarell of Dar tal-Providenza), Kalkara and Għajn Dwieli (both Dar il-Wens).

Day Services

These are services provided during the day to adults with disability who cannot work. Educational, meaningful and enjoyable activities are organised for these people to help them continue to develop their full potential. These are mainly provided from centres spread all over the two islands: Għajnsielem and Rabat in Gozo; and Bahar ic-Caghaq, Imtarfa, Sliema, Fleur-de-Lys, Ħal Far, Swatar and Marsascala (STAR 25 Inspire) and in Malta. There two other centres: one in Corradino and one in Qormi that the Agency offers in conjunction with other entities. These centres are mainly addressed to persons with intellectual disabilities many of whom have also other disabilities. However, the one in Qormi is for blind persons. Agenzija Sapport provides supervised transport free of charge to all of these centres.

Sign Language Interpretation

An interpreter fluent in Maltese Sign Language interprets between Deaf persons using this mode of communication and other persons using verbal Maltese or English, thus facilitating communication in many areas such as education, employment, health, justice, leisure and social. It is also available to entities who would like to make their activities accessible to Deaf people.

Aġenzija Sapport

Triq Fr Ġwann Azzopardi, Santa Venera
Tel: 22568000
Email: sapport@gov.mt
Website: https://sapport.gov.mt/en/Contact-Us/Pages/Contact-Details.aspx

Gozo Office
Learning Hub, Triq, l-Imġarr, Għajnsielem
Tel: 21569909.
Sign Language Interpreting
As above but
Tel: SMS 79005988
Email: sli.sapport@gov.mt

At Agenzija Sapport, the Social Work Services is the first point of contact for disabled persons or their families. The social worker meets the disabled person to assess their needs and together draw up an Individual Support Programme to ensure that these needs can be met as best as possible.

There are also various private entities which will be ready to provide a carer against an hourly charge.

Aġenzija Sapport

Triq Fr Ġwann Azzopardi, Santa Venera
Tel: 22568000
Email: sapport@gov.mt
Website: https://sapport.gov.mt/en/Contact-Us/Pages/Contact-Details.aspx

Gozo Office
Learning Hub, Triq, l-Imġarr, Għajnsielem
Tel: 21569909.
Sign Language Interpreting
As above but
Tel: SMS 79005988
Email: sli.sapport@gov.mt

A residential facility for disabled persons has to follow a set of standards that includes, amongst other things, that you:
have a personal support plan drawn up with your involvement;
are assigned a staff member who keeps regular contact with you and those involved in your support;
participate in the planning and choice of daily activities after having the necessary information;
communicate in a manner with which you feel comfortable and all documents are given to you in a format accessible to you;
are supported to receive the necessary health care including medicine, healthy food and palliative care;
are free not to practice any particular belief and to be given the necessary support to do so, if you so choose;

have the right to leave the residential service to live elsewhere if this is in your best interest.

The facility must also: deal with situations of concerns and complaints promptly and effectively;

have a consultative committee composed of representatives of the residents, of the guardians and a social worker unless the residents decide otherwise;
ensure your security through risks evaluation; have a policy on sexuality and sexual health and provides an educational programme on these issues according to your need.

Social Care Standards Authority

469, Bugeia Institute, Triq il-Kbira San Ġużepp, Santa Venera
Tel: 25494000
Email: info.scsa@gov.mt
Website: https://family.gov.mt/en/DSWS/Pages/default.aspx

In 2006, the United Nations (UN) adopted a convention identifying the obligations of States to promote and protect the rights of persons with disabilities. It also allows individuals to petition the UN on breaches of their rights.

Malta accepted to be bound by the Convention in 2012, and The Equal Opportunities Act (Persons with Disability) Act was amended to reflect the rights in the Convention. However, Malta stated that it does not recognise any abortion rights and that it will continue to adopt its current legislation on voting during elections.

Malta was obliged to appoint a focal point for matters relating to the implementation of the Convention and an independent mechanism to promote, protect and monitor the implementation of the Convention. The focal point for the Convention is the Parliamentary Secretariat for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing. The independent mechanism is the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (The focal point of every state who has ratified this Convention is obliged to send to the UN Committee a comprehensive report on measures taken and progress achieved in implementing this Convention at least every four years or whenever the Committee requests one).

Mental health is also included in the definition of disability of the Convention, and thus people with mental health difficulties can also seek help on this with the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, B’kara
Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555 / Gozo Office: 21556002

Gozo Office
Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002

Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt
Website: http://crpd.org.mt/contact-page

The Equal Opportunities (Disabled Persons) Act of 2000 is a law that prohibits discrimination against a person because of his or her disability and gives remedies when it is found that a discrimination has occurred. This Act defines disability as “a long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairment which in interaction with various barriers may hinder one’s full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others”.
The Act also established the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) to see that this law is enforced. Hence if a person with disability or a family member of a person with disability feels that he or she is being discriminated because of his or her disability, he or she can lodge a complaint with the Commission.

The areas that are covered by this law are:
• Physical access to buildings, especially those open to the public and open areas;
• Access to information such as sign language, subtitles, Braille, large print, easy-to-read format;
• Education: includes physical accessibility of schools, provision of LSEs and different exam arrangements;
• Employment: includes reasonable accommodation of the workplace or of the working conditions
• Housing: includes the provision of lifts, access to common areas
• Goods and services: include transport and the provision of different services
• Insurance such as unjustifiable higher premium
• Health
• Other rights such as protection from harassment and victimisation.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, B’kara
Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555 / Gozo Office: 21556002

Gozo Office
Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002

Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt
Website: http://crpd.org.mt/contact-page

Commisioner mental health booklet: https://commissionermentalhealth.gov.mt/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/THE-MENTAL-HEALTH-ACT-your-rights-booklet.pdf
Website : https://commissionermentalhealth.gov.mt

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, B’kara
Tel: 22267600, SMS only: 79788555 / Gozo Office: 21556002

Gozo Office
Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002
Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt
Website: http://crpd.org.mt/contact-page

An employer is duty bound to make reasonable accommodation for the disabled employee.

The Police officer investigating you has to decide whether you can understand the questions he or she wants to ask you. If this officer decides that you have an intellectual disability, he or she will ask a family member or a person who takes care of you to accompany you during the interview and to sign the document reporting the interview.

If you have a mental health problem, a parent, guardian, social worker or similar person must be present in the interview.

In any case, you also have the right to seek the assistance of the lawyer. It is generally advisable for a person with disability or mental health problem to inform the police officer about the disability and / or mental health problem.

An employer is duty bound to make reasonable accommodation for the disabled employee.

The Police officer investigating you has to decide whether you can understand the questions he or she wants to ask you. If this officer decides that you have an intellectual disability, he or she will ask a family member or a person who takes care of you to accompany you during the interview and to sign the document reporting the interview.

If you have a mental health problem, a parent, guardian, social worker or similar person must be present in the interview.

In any case, you also have the right to seek the assistance of the lawyer. It is generally advisable for a person with disability or mental health problem to inform the police officer about the disability and / or mental health problem.

The Public Broadcasting Services (PBS) broadcast a daily evening news bulletin on TVM2 in Maltese Sign Language. Broadcasts of the Budget Speech are also provided with sign language. All programmes of the Broadcasting Authority, Malta include Maltese Sign Language interpreting. These are mainly broadcasted during election time.

The PBS building is also accessible, enabling people with disabilities to participate in TV programmes.

The Public Broadcasting Services (PBS)

75, Triq San Luqa, G’Mangia
Tel: 22913100, 21225051
Email: news@tvm.com.mt

Broadcasting Authority, Malta

7 Triq Mile End, Il-Ħamrun
Tel: 21221281, 21247908
Email: info.ba@ba.org.mt
Website: http://www.ba-malta.org

The following are the facilities available on beaches for persons with disabilities:

Għadira Bay, Mellieħa:Sandy beach, four wooden walkways, three concrete ramps, three floating beach wheelchairs, two public toilets, one mobile toilet and six parking bays.

Golden Bay, Mellieħa: Sandy Beach, two synthetic walkways, one floating beach wheelchair, one public toilet and two parking bays.

Pretty Bay, Birżebbuġa: Sandy beach, concrete ramp leading to the sandy beach, two walkways, one floating beach wheelchair, one public toilet and eight parking bays.

Buġibba Perched Beach, St Paul’s Bay: Artificial sandy beach, ramp leading to the sandy beach, one public toilet and one parking bay. Access from the beach to the sea is limited.

Qawra Point, St. Paul’s Bay: Rocky Beach, concrete ramp leading to a hoist chair, one public toilet and two parking bays.

George’s Bay, St Julians: Sandy beach, ramp leading to the sandy beach, one walkway, two floating beach wheelchairs, one public toilet at Paranga Restaurant and one parking bay.

Ta’ Fajtata, Marsascala: Rocky beach, ramp leading to the beach, one walkway, one hoist chair and three parking bays.

Fond Ghadir, Sliema: Rocky beach, ramp leading to the rocky beach and one public toilet. Access to the sea is limited.

Exiles Rocky Beach, Sliema: Ramp leading to the beach, one hoist chair, one public toilet and two parking bays. (First Aider on site during operation hours).

Little Armier, Mellieha: Sandy Beach, one walkway and one floating wheelchair.

Armier, Mellieha: Sandy beach, one walkway, one floating wheelchair, one public toilet and two parking bays.

Dawret it-Tunnara, Mellieha: Rocky beach, one ramp and one manual hoist chair. (First Aider on site during operation hours).

Gnejna Bay, Mgarr: Sandy Beach, one walkway, one floating wheelchair and two parking bays.

Bahar ic-Caghaq, Naxxar: Sandy Beach, two walkways.
Torri l-Abjad, Mellieha: one walkway and one parking bay.
Ghar l-Ahmar Marsaxlokk: one walkway
Gozo Beaches: sand wheelchairs are available

The Malta Tourism Authority

Building SCM01, Suites 301-306, SmartCity Malta, Ricasoli, Il-Kalkara
Tel: 22915000
Email: info@visitmalta.com
Website: https://www.visitmalta.com/en/accessibility

You have the right to participate in any mainstream sport-related activity. There are, however, some entities which can guide you in this aspect.

Special Olympics Malta (People with intellectual disabilities)
Special Olympics offer their services free of charge to athletes with intellectual disabilities in 13 different sport disciplines. For more information visit their website: or contact them on:
Email: info@specialolympicsmalta.org
Tel: 21318648 / 99891687
(Gozo) Tel: 99858224
Website: http://specialolympicsmalta.org/contact-us
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/specialolympicsmalta

The Malta Paralympic Committee

It aims to promote adapted paralympic and associated sports for persons with different abilities in Malta and Gozo.
Email: maltaparacom@gmail.com

Breaking Limits
Breaking Limits is an NGO formed by, run by and working for people with disability. Its focus is to improve inclusion and empower people with disability in Malta and Gozo to make their own decisions, live and independent life and reach their full potential. It also organises wheelchair racing.

Mob: 9982 7371 (President)
Email: info@breakinglimits.org.mt
Website: https://www.breakinglimits.org.mt

Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund (PHRF)

The PHRF offers training in various sports and their members can use the sports facilities at Corradino Centre. For more information please contact:
The Chairperson Sports Activities
The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund
Corradino Hill, Paola
Tel: 21386776 / 99451419 / 99806044
Website: https://valletta2018.org/cm_location/physically-handicapped-rehabilitation-fund-centre/

The Inspire Fitness Centre in Marsascala is a fully accessible fitness facility. Members may have access to the use of gym, indoor pool, sauna and fitness classes. (The pool can also be used by children).
The swimming pool at the San Antonio Hotel & Spa is fully accessible.

Tel: 21636526
Email: reception@inspire.org.mt

Other accessible fitness centres are:

Kinetika Fitness Club (GYM)

National Pool Complex, Gzira
Tel: 2751 1511

Cynergi

Eden Place, St Augustine Street, St George’s Bay, San Ġiljan
Tel: 2371 0700

Hilltop Gardens (Gym)

Triq l-Inkwina, Naxxar
Tel: 22351000
Mob: 79432277
Email: Info@hilltopgardens.com.mt

db San Antonio Hotel + Spa

Triq it-Turisti
Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay
Tel: 21583434
Email: info.dbsanantonio@dbhotelsresorts.com
Website: https://www.dbhotelsresorts.com/dbsanantonio/contact-us

The National Library
At the time of writing, the National Library is still inaccessible but there are plans to make it physically accessible by lift in the near future.

For more information contact:

The National Library of Malta

36 Old Treasury Street, Valletta VLT1410
Tel: 26005100
Email: customercare.nlm@gov.mt

Public Libraries
Malta Libraries offers a Talking Books Service, and physical books are also available in a friendly format for persons with dyslexia. It also offers an eBooks Service, where users can easily enlarge fonts at will, while also convert them in dyslexic format if required. The eBooks Service also offers a number of audio books.

The following table indicates which libraries are physically accessible and those which are not:

The Central Public Library

Professor Joseph J. Mangion Street, Floriana FRN 1800
Tel: 26005300
Email: customercare.cpl@gov.mt
For more information about the National Library of Malta and Public Libraries, visit the Malta Libraries website: www.maltalibraries.gov.mt

Some of the Sites of Heritage Malta are historic ones and due to their architecture and other restraints not all Sites are accessible to wheelchair users.

The below Sites are accessible to wheelchair users:
National Museum of Archaeology
Fort St Elmo – National War Museum
Palace State rooms
Malta Maritime Museum
Tarxien Temples
Domus Romana
Ggantija Temples

There are Sites like the Hypogeum and Hagar Qim Park where the Site itself is not accessible, but the visitor centres of these Sites are accessible and there is a great deal of information of the Site. At the Hypogeum, there is an audio-visual which explains with visuals and interpretation what one can see inside this Site. At Hagar Qim visitor centre, there are models that visitors can touch so visitors can feel the material they used to use to carve the statues. There are other Sites like the Inquisitor`s Palace which is not accessible for wheelchair users but when you access Heritage Malta website, one can explore 3D showcase.

Heritage Malta

Ex Royal Naval Hospital
Triq Marina
Kalkara
Tel: 22954000
Website: http://heritagemalta.org/museums-sites

Yes. If you are a person with reduced mobility, or if you are travelling with someone who has reduced mobility, you can book the Malta Airport’s Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) services.

PRM services are provided in both Arrivals and Departures and include:
Assistance from a customer’s arrival at the airport to check-in;
Assistance with registration at check-in and with security processes;
Assistance in proceeding to the gate at the correct time for pre-boarding;
Assistance in boarding and disembarking;
Assistance with baggage retrieval and immigration and customs processes;
Assistance from/to connecting flights both for landside and airside;
Assistance up to the first point of onward travel;
Assistance with using airport facilities.

Malta International Airport, Luqa

Tel: 21249600 / 21249600
Email: assist@maltairport.com
Website: https://www.maltairport.com/passenger/services/autistic-passengers

Disability discrimination is when a person with a disability is treated less favourably than a person without disability in the same or similar circumstances.
Discrimination can be either direct or indirect:

Example 1: There would be direct disability discrimination if a person is refused entry in a restaurant because he is blind or has a guide dog.

Example 2: There would be indirect disability discrimination if the only access to a public building is via a set of stairs, and persons using a wheelchair would be unable to enter.

Harassment on the basis of disability occurs when a disabled person is made to feel intimidated, insulted, frightened, degraded, humiliated, offended or subjected to a hostile environment. Disability related harassment is unwanted, exploitative, or abusive conduct against a disabled person, which has the purpose or effect of violating the dignity, safety, security or autonomy of the person experiencing it.
Example: There is harassment on the basis of disability when there are nicknames, name calling, teasing, jokes, or other behaviour which a person with a disability finds upsetting and/or distressing.

Victimisation on the basis of disability occurs when a person is punished or threatened with punishment because he or she has asserted his or her rights under the EOA; or made a complaint; or helped someone else make a complaint, or refused to do something because it would result in discrimination, or victimisation.
Example: A customer at a supermarket complains about staff making fun of his stuttering. Subsequently, the staff become rude towards him, try not to serve him or leave him waiting in vain on purpose.

Neglect occurs when a caregiver fail to meet the critical needs of a person with disability. It can occur in private homes, group home, schools and workplaces.
Example: A carer does not provide adequate food or drink to a person with disability who is dependent on him / her.

If you are a person with disability and feel that you have been discriminated because of your disability, you (or another person on your behalf, as long as the complaint is not anonymous) can make a complaint under the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act to the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability. You can either use the sample letter provided by the Commission itself (which can be downloaded from http://crpd.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/008-equal-opp-act_ittra-tal-ilment-_mt.pdf or else write a letter / send an email with following details: Name and Surname, ID Card No, Address, Telephone/Mobile Number, Name of the Entity the complaint is against (if applicable), and Details of the complaint on the contact details below.

If your complaint of discrimination or harassment is related to your employment or place of work, you can also ask the Industrial Tribunal to investigate either through the Department of Employment and Industrial Relations, your lawyer or your trade union.

The Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, Birkirkara
Tel: 22267600 / SMS only: 79788555

Gozo Office
Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat
Tel: 21556002
Email: eoa@crpd.org.mt
Website: www.crpd.org.mt

The Department for Industrial & Employment Relations

121, Triq Melita, Il-Belt Valletta
Tel: 21224245/6
Email: info.dier@gov.mt

Sexual abuse:
Sexual abuse refers to any sexual acts (including sexual assault and / or rape) which are performed on someone who is unwilling or unable to consent to those acts. A person cannot provide consent if they are under the legal age of consent; intoxicated; intimidated, coerced or threatened; responding to someone in a position of power (e.g. employer, manager, therapist). Sexual abuse of a person with intellectual disabilities can take place even when that person’s apparent willingness is exploited.

Victim Support Malta

Tel: 21228333
Email: info@victimsupport.org.mt
Website: http://victimsupport.org.mt

Aġenzija Sapport offers assessment and guidance in relation to assistive technology to children with disability attending schools

This service is provided by therapists of the Access to Communication and Technology Unit (ACTU) team. If a learner is encountering difficulties to access the computer/ mobile/ tablets or other devices both at home and at school, the Occupational Therapist and Speech and Language Therapist at ACTU will on assessment:

* Assess the learner’s needs for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). This includes unaided and aided AAC.

* Assess to identify access methods to operate AAC devices. Example, the use of switches; on-screen keyboards; head mouse and eye gaze.

* Assess for an alternative method of recording eg. use of alternative mouse and keyboards.

* Assess for the need of specialised software such as curricular support, text to speech and voice recognition systems.

* Assess of Environmental Control Systems such as using remote control devices, putting on/off lights, switch on/off blender, personal alarms systems etc.

Depending on the assessment the therapist will liaise with other professionals working with the child/person, assist and guide the person or parents in the recommendations and help them in the implementation such as:

* Development of low tech resources.

* Customisation of devices

* Support to implement recommendations both at home and at school.

* Parent and professional training.
Aġenzja Sapport also offers the Empowerment Scheme and Subsidies on Specialised Equipment

If you need financial support to buy specialised equipment to support you use technological devices you can ask Agenżija Sapport regarding the relevant schemes. Those applying for this scheme are required to have a Special Identity Card issued on their name.
Since this financial support is very often partial, you can also ask the Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation (MCCF) to support you as well.

The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA)

Gattard House, Triq Nazzjonali, Blata l-Bajda

Tel: 2599 2048 / 25992343
Email: info@fitamalta.eu
Website: https://fitamalta.eu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitamalta.eu

Aġenzija Sapport

Sonia Tanti Independent Living Centre, Ħal Far Industrial Estate, Ħal Far
Tel: 21653938
Email: actu.sapport@gov.mt
Website: www.sapport.gov.mt

The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation

The Palace, Il-Belt Valletta
Tel: 21226226
Email: mccf@gov.mt
Website: https://www.mccff.org.mt/en/contact-us

The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) aims to ensure that the use of computers and other technological devices are accessible to persons with disability. It helps them select, acquire and use these devises. It also assists service providers in this area to remove barriers that can hinder persons with disability from fully utilising such technology. Ongoing services offered by FITA are:

ICT Accessibility Certification

FITA offers advice and information to service providers to ensure that policies, online services and website are accessible to persons with disability. It also reviews, assesses and certifies websites according to international standards so that these are accessible to persons with disability. This is done either online through tools provided by FITA for self-assessments, or else by a team of experts including persons with disability.

Helpdesk Service

FITA offers support to persons with disability related to e-government services and the use of computers and other technological devices, including those used only by persons with disability. This is done through its helpdesk and the FITA Online group that disseminates and archives information related to these areas.

Braille Embossing Services

FITA produces tactile and Braille printing to individuals and organisations. This means that a text with visuals (that all can be felt by blind persons) can be printed on the same page, the visuals embossed and the text in Braille.

Accessibility Training Sessions

FITA organises information sessions aimed at managers responsible for webpages on the principles behind ICT accessibility, thus ensuring a usable online service.

ICT Training Courses

FITA offers three types of training:
One-to-one ICT training to persons with a visual impairment that can cover all levels from basic use of a computer, to ECDL and to specialised areas.
Together with entities, government or private, ICT training to persons with intellectual or communication disability covering different levels. These courses are endorsed either by ECDL or by Malta Qualifications Framework standards.
One-to-one mentoring services to volunteers supporting disabled individuals in their ICT needs.

Assistive ICT Consultancy and Training

This consultancy is addressed to private individuals and educational and business entities who need to use ICT to provide accessible services to all their clients including persons with disabilities or to support a member of their workforce who is disabled.

Development of Accessible Software

FITA, with the support of MITA and other governmental and private entities, developed a set of educational ICT tools based on the Maltese language.

Assistive ICT Pool

FITA has a number of tools that can be used across computer training and learning. Disabled persons or training organisations can loan this equipment for a maximum period of three months to enable disabled individual to benefit fully form educational and training opportunities or to try it and see whether to buy such tool or not.

Advice

In conjunction with an NGO for the blind, FITA has a number of equipment that helps visually impaired persons to live more independently and which it offers on loan to blind persons to try out prior to purchasing it.

Initiative with Private Companies

FITA, from time to time, makes agreements with private companies such as Melita, Microsoft, Vodafone, to offer their services to disabled people at advantageous prices.

The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA)

Gattard House, Triq Nazzjonali, Blata l-Bajda
Tel: 2599 2048 / 25992343

Email: info@fitamalta.eu
Website: https://fitamalta.eu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitamalta.eu

The small and big efforts which go into ensuring greater access for persons with disability sometimes go unnoticed or are not promoted. At some point, everyone needs accessible services, either for themselves, friends or relatives, but do not know where to easily find this information.

The Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) and Vodafone Foundation Malta worked to address this recurring difficulty and created SPOT.

The website SPOT.org.mt lists different venues in Malta and Gozo and lets you rate them based on accessibility for persons with different disabilities.
SPOT does not simply flag venues as accessible or inaccessible, since everyone’s accessibility needs may be different. It doesn’t matter whether you are reviewing or rating a parking area, super market, restaurant or natural park. The goal is to report on the quality of service and level of accessibility. It also does not matter whether you have a disability yourself or not. As long as you wish to help and contribute your opinion, the questions specific to the disability group/s you select will guide you.

Visit SPOT.org.mt now in order to learn about the accessibility of venues, or share information about venues you know above.

Yellow card (Schedule V) – A person who has a chronic condition may receive free medications under the Schedule V scheme. This is offered to persons who have one or more of the conditions. They must be referred to within the Government Health Service. The Schedule V card is issued from the Schedule V Office, St. Luke’s Hospital.

Pink Card (Schedule II) – A pink card holder is a person with limited means. S/he can have access to a limited number of medicinal products, which are specifically marked as pink card positive on the Government Formulary List.

Pharmacy Of Your Choice Unit / Medicines Approval Section

St Luke’s Square
G’Mangia
Tel: 21232424 / 22481800
Email: schedulev.poyc@gov.mt
Website: https://poyc.gov.mt/en/360-ossscr/360-one-stop-shop-service-concept/

The government provides free transport service to and from state hospitals (by appointment). If used for the first time, your doctor needs to apply on your behalf. For further information ask your doctor.

Malta Public Transport – buses are normally accessible for person using a wheelchair.
There are various private companies/cooperatives which offer their transport service against a charge.

The patient’s charter establishes rights and responsibilities for all patients. Patients have the right to receive all the information about their condition, treatment being received and care options available. A patient has the right to ask about their condition and have access to information held in their own file and records. When mentally competent, a patient can refuse treatment or care, or withdraw consent to any diagnostic or treatment procedures, or to discharge oneself even against the physician’s advice. A patient has the right to receive care in a way that is respectful to their disability.

You can access the patient’s charter by using the following link:

https://deputyprimeminister.gov.mt/en/hcs/Pages/patient-charter.aspx

General Practitioner (GP) is a physician who does not specialise in one particular area of medicine.
Paediatrician is a medical professional who specialises in the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents.
Psychiatrist is a physician who specialises in psychiatry, the branch of medicine devoted to the diagnosis, prevention, study, and treatment of mental disorders.

Counselling Psychologist has a stronger focus on healthy individuals, who have fewer pathological mental problems.
Clinical psychologist has a stronger focus on those with a psychosis or other serious mental illness.

Educational psychologist helps children and young people improve all children’s experiences of learning; they assess difficulties children may be having with their learning.
Counsellor is trained to give guidance on personal or psychological problems.

Family therapist works with families and couples in intimate relationships to nurture change and development. It tends to view change in terms of the systems of interaction between family members.
Social worker supports individuals and their families through difficult times and ensures that vulnerable people, including children and adults, are safeguarded from harm. Their role is to help in improve outcomes in people’s lives.

Speech language pathologist/therapist assesses speech, language, cognitive-communication, and oral/feeding/swallowing skills to identify types of communication problems and the best way to treat them.
Occupational therapist assesses and intervenes to develop, recover, or maintain the meaningful activities, or occupations, of individuals, groups, or communities.
Physiotherapist helps patients with physical difficulties resulting from illness, injury, disability or ageing to improve their movement.
Dietician and nutritionist counsel patients on nutrition issues. Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease.

Ophthalmologist is a specialist in medical and surgical eye disease.
Geneticist is a specialist in genes, heredity, and variation of organism.
Endocrinologists treat people who suffer from hormonal imbalances, typically from glands in the endocrine system or certain types of cancers. They treat adrenal disorders, osteoporosis and bone health, diabetes, endocrine disorders in children (lack of growth, problems with puberty), heart problems (high cholesterol, triglycerides, high blood pressure), pituitary disorders, thyroid disorders, weight and metabolism, men’s health (infertility, testosterone levels), women’s health (menopause, infertility, some menstrual problems).

Medical Council (Medical and dental professionals) – Tel: 21255540 / Email: medicalcouncil@gov.mt

Council for Nurses & Midwives – Tel: 2595 3305 / Email: cnm.sph@gov.mt

Council for the Professions Complementary to Medicine (Acupuncturists, Audiologists, Chiropractors, Clinical Perfusionists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Technologists, Dietitians, Environmental Health Officers, Medical Laboratory Scientists, Nutritionists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Orthoptists, Osteopaths, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Psychotherapists, Radiographers & Speech Language Pathologists) – Tel: 21255538, email: cpcm@gov.mt

Malta Social Work Profession Board (Social workers) – Tel: 25494300 / Email: welfare.standards@gov.mt

Malta Psychology Profession Board (Psychologists) – Tel: 2590 3281

Council of the Counselling Profession – Tel: 2295900 / Email: mfcs@gov.mt

Malta Youth Work Profession Board – Tel: 25982864 / Email: ywpb.mede@gov.mt

If a professional has a complaint about another professional, the person can refer to the specific professional council. For further information you may contact the mentioned councils on the provided numbers.

Some people with intellectual disability may also experience mental illness but the two conditions are different.
Intellectual disability – Thoughts are limited by cognitive ability and understanding. It is lifelong and will not diminish. The onset occurs before 18 years of age. Medication cannot restore cognitive ability. It is normally assessed by a psychologist.

Mental health problem / illness – Disturbances in thought processes and perception. The person may experience hallucinations and delusions. The condition may be temporary, cyclical or episodic. Onset can occur at any stage of life; Medication can be prescribed to control the symptoms; It could be diagnosed by a psychiatrist or a psychologist.

You can ask the person you want to take care of your disabled offspring to apply to the Guardianship Board to appoint them as their guardian. This can be done either whilst you are still alive (if you are unable to continue to meet this role) or else after your death.

A guardian appointed for your son or daughter by the Guardianship Board has the responsibility to assist your son or daughter to make the necessary decisions regarding his or her lifestyle, health and financial matters, and to safeguard his or her interests. There can be more than one guardian and the Board may specify the areas in which the appointed guardian/s can make decisions. The guardian is appointed by the Board for a year and can be renewed annually.

You can opt to apply to be your offspring’s guardian yourself (once the child turns 18, the parents are no longer automatically the child’s legal guardians and need to apply to become the child’s legal guardians).

An application for guardianship can be made on the prescribed form and accompanied by a medical report (also on a prescribed form). Both forms can be obtained from the Registrar of the Guardianship Board or downloaded from: www.guardianship.gov.mt

Guardians can be family members or close friends, provided they are eighteen years or older, reside in Malta, accept and be prepared to act as a guardian and are not in a position where their own interests conflict with the best interest of the person they are supporting. The guardians are answerable to the Guardianship Board and can be removed if the Board finds that there is neglect or misconduct on the part of the guardian.

You can also form a trust to manage the affairs of your son or daughter. Your son or daughter has to be one of the beneficiaries but you can also be a beneficiary till you are alive and after your death, or your son/daughter can be the sole beneficiary. Trustees can be family members, close friends and professionals and can be paid a fee which does not exceed 400Eur a year. The trust has to be set up with the Malta Financial Services Authority. Details of relevant licensed service providers, such as those pertaining to Administrators of Private Foundations in terms of Article 43(12)b of the Trusts and Trustees Act, are available on the Financial Services Register provided on the MFSA website – http://mfsa.com.mt/pages/licenceholders.aspx. It is advisable that legal advice / guidance is previously sought on the matter.

Answer is correct, only change address :Address: Zone 3, Il-Ministeru għall, Inklużjoni u l-Volontarjat, Commerce St, Birkirkara

Phone: 2590 3154/2

Email: guardianship.miv@gov.mt

You are entitled to one of the following pensions, allowances or assistances depending on your age, the severity of your disability and whether you became disabled before or after being employed and paid the National Insurance Contribution (Il-bolla).

Special Children Allowance

If you are a disabled person under the age of sixteen, (fourteen if you have a visual impairment), you may be entitled to a Special Children Allowance if you are a disabled person as defined by the Social Security Act and declared so by the Department’s Medical Board.

Invalidity Pension

If you became disabled and cannot work anymore after being employed and paid 250 National Insurance Contributions (il-bolla) you are entitled to an Invalidity Pension calculated according to the contributions you have made. You have to submit weekly medical certificates for at least six months, except in case of terminal illness. The Department’s Medical Panel, appointed under the provisions of the Social Security Act (Cap 318) decides whether the person applying is incapable for suitable full-time or part-time employment or self-occupation. This Pension is increased automatically every year with the increase of the cost of living.

Increased Severe Disability Allowance

You are entitled to the Increased Severe Disability Allowance if you meet all the following criteria:

• you are severely disabled as defined by the Social Security Act
  you are sixteen years or older
  you are unemployed
  you do not qualify for an invalidity pension
  your doctor grades you on Barthel Index to be between 0 and 8
  a Multi-Disciplinary Board (consisting of a psychiatrist or geriatrician, psychologist, occupational therapist and a social worker) declares you qualify for this allowance.
  This assistance is not means tested. It amounts to approximately 80% of the National Minimum Wage which will eventually increase to reach the net National Minimum Wage.

Severe Disability Allowance or Assistance for the Visually Impaired

You are entitled to Severe Disability Allowance or Assistance for the Visually Impaired if you meet all the following criteria:

• you are severely disabled or visually impaired as defined by the Social Security Act,
  you are sixteen years or older (fourteen years old or older if you have a visual impairment)
  you do not qualify for an invalidity pension
  the Department’s Medical Board declares you qualify for this allowance.

These assistances/allowances are nearly 60% of the National Minimum Wage and are increased annually by means of the cost of living awarded.

They are weekly means tested as follows:

• your income from employment is not considered (meaning that you can be employed and still receive this allowance)
  all other income (for example, interests) is considered (your capital is not considered but interest derived from your capital is)
  your personal income is added to the Severe Disability Allowance rate and only the amount exceeding the National Minimum wage is deducted from your rate. (This means that if your personal income and this allowance together do not exceed the minimum wage, you will receive the full allowance).

Disability Assistance

You are entitled to the Disability Assistance if you are sixteen years or older and one of your lower or upper limb is amputated, totally paralysed or totally malfunctions.

This allowance is around 40% of the National Minimum Wage and increases annually with the cost of living increase. It is weekly means tested as follows:

• your income from employment is not considered (meaning that you can be employed and still receive this allowance);
  all other income is considered (for example, interests). (Your capital is not considered but interests derived from your capital is considered);
  your personal income is added to the Severe Disability Allowance rate and only the amount exceeding the National Minimum wage is deducted from your rate. (This means that if your personal income and this allowance together do not exceed the minimum wage, you will receive the full allowance).
  Carers Allowance

Your carer can benefit from the Increased Carers Allowance or the Carers Allowance if:

• he or she is single and under pension age,
  take care of you on a full-time basis in your residence,
  is your husband/wife, brother/sister, grandparent, uncle/aunt, mother/father-in-law, brother/sister-in-law.

The Increased Carers Allowance is granted if the Department’s Multi-Disciplinary board assesses you on:

the Barthel Index and you are rated on the same Index within the range of 0 to 8,
the Mini Mental State Examination and you are rated on this Examination within the range of 0 to 9.
The Carers Allowance is given if the Department’s Multi-Disciplinary board assesses you on:

the Barthel Index and you are rated on the same Index within the range of 9 to 12,
the Mini Mental State Examination and you are rated on the same Examination within the range of 10 to 19.
The Increased Carers Allowance is higher than the Carer Allowance and increases annually with the cost of living increase.

Medical Assistance (SKA)

Persons having chronic diseases may benefit from the Medical Assistance (SKA) which is a non-contributory benefit and is means-tested. The applicant has to submit his/her application at the social security district office. If eligible, the applicant will be seen by a medical panel.

Appeals

You can appeal any decision taken by the Social Security Department to the Social Security Umpire. However you can do so only on a point of law or principle of importance emerging from such a decision according to the Social Security Act. You have to appeal within 30 days from when you are informed of the Department’s decision. It is important to note that decisions emanating from Medical Boards (apart from the Invalidity Pension) cannot be appealed.

If you are an EU citizen, you can check what benefits you are entitled to through the contact details below.You are entitled to one of the following pensions, allowances or assistances depending on your age, the severity of your disability and whether you became disabled before or after being employed and paid the National Insurance Contribution (Il-bolla).

Special Children Allowance

If you are a disabled person under the age of sixteen, (fourteen if you have a visual impairment), you may be entitled to a Special Children Allowance if you are a disabled person as defined by the Social Security Act and declared so by the Department’s Medical Board.

Invalidity Pension

If you became disabled and cannot work anymore after being employed and paid 250 National Insurance Contributions (il-bolla) you are entitled to an Invalidity Pension calculated according to the contributions you have made. You have to submit weekly medical certificates for at least six months, except in case of terminal illness. The Department’s Medical Panel, appointed under the provisions of the Social Security Act (Cap 318) decides whether the person applying is incapable for suitable full-time or part-time employment or self-occupation. This Pension is increased automatically every year with the increase of the cost of living.

Increased Severe Disability Allowance

You are entitled to the Increased Severe Disability Allowance if you meet all the following criteria:

• you are severely disabled as defined by the Social Security Act
  you are sixteen years or older
  you are unemployed
  you do not qualify for an invalidity pension
  your doctor grades you on Barthel Index to be between 0 and 8
  a Multi-Disciplinary Board (consisting of a psychiatrist or geriatrician, psychologist, occupational therapist and a social worker) declares you qualify for this allowance.
  This assistance is not means tested. It amounts to approximately 80% of the National Minimum Wage which will eventually increase to reach the net National Minimum Wage.

Severe Disability Allowance or Assistance for the Visually Impaired

You are entitled to Severe Disability Allowance or Assistance for the Visually Impaired if you meet all the following criteria:

• you are severely disabled or visually impaired as defined by the Social Security Act,
  you are sixteen years or older (fourteen years old or older if you have a visual impairment)
  you do not qualify for an invalidity pension
  the Department’s Medical Board declares you qualify for this allowance.

These assistances/allowances are nearly 60% of the National Minimum Wage and are increased annually by means of the cost of living awarded. They are weekly means tested as follows:

your income from employment is not considered (meaning that you can be employed and still receive this allowance)
all other income (for example, interests) is considered (your capital is not considered but interest derived from your capital is)
your personal income is added to the Severe Disability Allowance rate and only the amount exceeding the National Minimum wage is deducted from your rate. (This means that if your personal income and this allowance together do not exceed the minimum wage, you will receive the full allowance).

Disability Assistance

You are entitled to the Disability Assistance if you are sixteen years or older and one of your lower or upper limb is amputated, totally paralysed or totally malfunctions.

This allowance is around 40% of the National Minimum Wage and increases annually with the cost of living increase. It is weekly means tested as follows:

your income from employment is not considered (meaning that you can be employed and still receive this allowance);
all other income is considered (for example, interests). (Your capital is not considered but interests derived from your capital is considered);
your personal income is added to the Severe Disability Allowance rate and only the amount exceeding the National Minimum wage is deducted from your rate. (This means that if your personal income and this allowance together do not exceed the minimum wage, you will receive the full allowance).

Carers Allowance

Your carer can benefit from the Increased Carers Allowance or the Carers Allowance if:

• he or she is single and under pension age,
  take care of you on a full-time basis in your residence,
  is your husband/wife, brother/sister, grandparent, uncle/aunt, mother/father-in-law, brother/sister-in-law.

The Increased Carers Allowance is granted if the Department’s Multi-Disciplinary board assesses you on:

the Barthel Index and you are rated on the same Index within the range of 0 to 8,
the Mini Mental State Examination and you are rated on this Examination within the range of 0 to 9.
The Carers Allowance is given if the Department’s Multi-Disciplinary board assesses you on:

the Barthel Index and you are rated on the same Index within the range of 9 to 12,
the Mini Mental State Examination and you are rated on the same Examination within the range of 10 to 19.
The Increased Carers Allowance is higher than the Carer Allowance and increases annually with the cost of living increase.

Medical Assistance (SKA)

Persons having chronic diseases may benefit from the Medical Assistance (SKA) which is a non-contributory benefit and is means-tested. The applicant has to submit his/her application at the social security district office. If eligible, the applicant will be seen by a medical panel.

Appeals

You can appeal any decision taken by the Social Security Department to the Social Security Umpire. However you can do so only on a point of law or principle of importance emerging from such a decision according to the Social Security Act. You have to appeal within 30 days from when you are informed of the Department’s decision. It is important to note that decisions emanating from Medical Boards (apart from the Invalidity Pension) cannot be appealed.

If you are an EU citizen, you can check what benefits you are entitled to through the contact details below.