Today marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the United Nations’ chosen theme this year is “amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future”.

To observe the day, the Ministry of Equality’s Supported Needs and Disability Office (SNDO) are hosting an awareness raising campaign from 3pm to 6pm at Casemates Square, where stalls will be set up by disability-related NGOs and pertinent government departments. Members of the public with supported needs / disabilities and their support networks are invited to attend.

The international disability flag will also be flying at the Frontier, St Bernard’s Hospital and at City Hall.

In the run up to today, the Minister for Equality Christian Santos announced in Parliament that the first strand of the National Disability Strategy, the internal HMGoG strand, had been completed and work on the private sector strand will begin in January 2025. The National Disability Strategy provides a roadmap of what the public service needs to do in order to unlock Sections 13 and 14 of the Disability Act. This has been achieved through the development of a gap analysis which outlines key objectives and measurable outcomes. A strategic delivery plan has also been developed to indicate how these objectives will be met and by when.

An extraordinary Youth Symposium on Disabilities also took place recently where members of a panel were given a platform to break down barriers that perpetuate misconceptions about the capabilities and contributions of individuals with disabilities.

Minister for Equality, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, said: "Our commitment to work for persons with supported needs and disabilities remains unchanged. We have proved this over the last year as we continue our efforts in not just introducing policy that will enhance the lives of those with disabilities, but by also engaging in various awareness campaigns throughout the year that should serve as a constant reminder to members of our community that persons with disabilities have the same rights and should enjoy the same opportunities as all."