Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, The Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP, recently held a meeting with the Lived Experience Council.

The Council is comprised of local persons with disabilities who can impart their lived experiences and challenges. The Supported Needs and Disability Office (SNDO) Manager Jenny Victory accompanied Minister Santos in the meeting.

Key discussions ensued on several topics to include the Ratification of the UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the improvement of disability benefit processes, the development of a comprehensive disability database, and on Blue Badge usage and parking accommodations.

The Council emphasised the importance of listening to individual experiences and the need for tailored support for each person with a disability. Minister Santos, through the SNDO, is committed to accessibility and inclusion and to creating practical achievable solutions that respect the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.

Further to this meeting, targeted meetings with Government departments will be organised. There will be continued strategy development and ongoing engagements with the disability community to keep the momentum going and achieve positive outcomes.