If you suspect there are difficulties with your child, consult your doctor and/or paediatrician. If necessary, your child will be referred to a specialist agency for further assessment.

Early Intervention services can be referred to when parents/carers are concerned about the child’s development. It is an open referral system. Anyone can refer the child directly such as parents/legal guardians/educators and professionals.

A professional from Early Intervention will then assess the child, intervene as necessary and guide the parents/carers to the necessary services.

Therefore one can access early intervention service while waiting for the child to obtain formal diagnosis.

For further information you can ask the:

Resource Centres

Triq Fra Gaetano Pace Forno
Il-Ħamrun

Tel: 2598 3494

Email: studentservices.mede@gov.mt

Website: https://education.gov.mt/en/education/student-services/Pages/Special_Education/Early-Childhood-Intervention.aspx

There are many entities, both governmental and non-governmental, that can help a family who discovered that they have a member with disability, or a person who has newly become disabled. A few of these cover all types of disabilities whilst other support persons with specific disability. The three main governmental entities, which, in turn, can guide to other entities, are:

• The Parliamentary Secretariat for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing

310, Palazzo Ferreria
Republic Street
Valletta VLT 1110

Tel No: 2590 3140

• Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD)

G5 Office, Triq Psaila, Birkirkara

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

Email: helpdesk@crpd.org.mt

Website: crpd.org.mt

• The Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU)

The professionals that make up the CDAU team are paediatric consultants, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and psychologists. Furthermore, any child referred to CDAU who is under the age of 3, is referred to the Early Intervention Services, which forms part of the Education Department. Referral for a child to be seen at CDAU needs to be done by a medical doctor (GP or paediatrician). Service of Speech Therapy can be obtained through self-referral, however all other professionals require a referral by a doctor before being able to see the child.

The CDAU can be contacted on the details below:

Triq Zammit Clapp, Tal-Pietà

Tel 25951780/25951803.

There are also many other organisations working with people with disabilities and their families. Those NGOs which are registered with the Office of the Commissioner for voluntary organisations can be accessed from https://education.gov.mt/en/vo_home/Pages/vo_list.aspx. More information on each association can be obtained from:

Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations
Block C, Belt is-Sebħ

Floriana FRN 1700
Tel: 2568 7261
Email: vo@gov.mt

These organisations include the following (however this list is not exhaustive, and there are also other organisations which are not voluntary ones and are thus not listed here – more information on these can be accessed from the CRPD or through other organisations, or from websites or Facebook pages of the organisation itself):

ADHD Family Support Group

ALS Malta Foundation

Amputees 4 Amputees

Anxiety and Depression Support Group

Arthritis and Rheumatism Association of Malta

Association to Assist Visually-Impaired Persons

Autism Parents Association (APA)

Be Positive Bipolar Self-Help Malta

Caritas Malta Epilepsy Association

Dar tal-Providenza

Deaf People Association

Down Syndrome Association

Equal Partners Foundation

Equal, Valid, Visible, Inclusive, Vocal, Accessible (EVVIVA)

Federazzjoni Għawdxija Persuni B’Dizabilita

Fondazzjoni Arka

Fondazzjoni Hajja Indipendenti

Fondazzjoni Wens

Foundation for Respite Care Services (Dar il-Kaptan)

Għaqda Ħbieb Sptar Monte Carmeli

Għaqda Zgħażagħ b’Diżabilità

Gozo Arthritis Support Group

Gozo Association for the Deaf

Grupp Flimkien Naslu

Ħbieb tal-Aġenzija Sapport

Inspire Foundation

Living Ability Not Disability (L.A.N.D.)

Lupus Support Group Malta

Malta Association of Crohn’s and Colitis

Malta Association of Supported Employment

Malta Autism Centre – Foundation for Education and Research

Malta Dementia Society

Malta Dyslexia Association

Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability

Malta Guide Dogs Foundation

Malta Hospice Movement

Malta Osteoporosis Society

Malta Parkinson’s Disease Association

Malta Society for the Blind

Malta Tama Tnabar Association

Maltese Diabetes Association

Mental Health Association

Monday Club for Physically & Mentally Disabled

Mount Carmel Hospital Sports and Culture Club

National Alliance for Rare Diseases (The)

National Parents’ Society of Persons with Disability

Opening Doors Association

Richmond Foundation

Special Olympics Malta

S.T.A.N.D (Striving Towards Ability Not Disability)

Service Dogs Malta Foundation

Step Up for Parkinson’s

Stroke Support Malta Association

Stuttering Association of Malta

The Friends of the A.T.C (Adult Training Centre)

The Malta Wheelchair DanceSport Association

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Malta

The Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund

Torball Society of the Blind

Referrals to Inspire services are through two main channels:

1. Referral from the National School Support Services – which ministry or agency depends on the service. For children up to end of school age, referral to Inspire’s Government Funded Education Programmes is through the NSSS (National School Support Services). In this instance, referral is for STEP Early Intervention & School Outreach Programme, so anyone interested in attending either programme needs to apply through the NSSS. For the STAR 25 Programme, referrals need to come via Agenzija Sapport, so anyone interested in attending that programme need to go to Agenzija Sapport and request a referral.
2. For any other service (Inspire has a range of pay-per-use services), you can contact Inspire on 20928100 & ask to be put through to the Parent Relations Manager. They will then direct you accordingly.

For more information and guidance, you can contact:

Inspire Foundation

Head Office, BLB801 Bulebel, Zejtun ZTN 3000

Tel: 2092 8100

Email: reception@inspire.org.mt

Website: https://inspire.org.mt/contact-us

You may access the services offered by Richmond Foundation either by a referral from a professional (including a doctor, social worker or a psychologist) or by a self-referral – you can contact the Foundation yourself). Self-referrals still need to be supported by a professional report.

For more information and guidance, you may contact:

Richmond Foundation

424, St. Joseph High Road, St. Venera

Tel: 21224580 / 21482336 / 21480045

Email: info@richmond.org.mt

Website: http://www.richmond.org.mt

If you are a disabled person in Gozo, there are a number of services you can access:

• CRPD Gozo Office – Sannat Primary School, Sannat Road, Sannat, Tel: 21556002
• Agenzija Sapport (including a learning hub, a residence and community services) – The Learning Hub is situated in Triq l-Imgarr, Ghajnsielem, Tel: 2156 9909
• Santa Marta Day Centre – Triq Hal Far, Victoria, Tel: 21553886
• Inspire Gozo – Triq Ramon Perellos, Ghajnsielem, Tel: 2156414
• Arka Foundation – Dar Arka Triq il-Maghdija, Ghajnsielem, Tel: 21565773
• Dreams of Horses Therapy Farm – Wied l-Ghejjun, Xaghra, Mob: 9985 8194
• Gozo Association for the Deaf – Victoria, Tel: 21556382
• Gozo Aid for the Visually Impaired (GAVI) – Victoria, Tel: 21560128

Respite services include:

• Villa Chelsea (Richmond Foundation), (for adults with mental health problems)

Contact details:

Villa Chelsea
33, Old Church Street, Birkirkara
Tel: 2144 0456, 2148 8062
E-mail: villachelsea@vol.net.mt
Website: http://www.richmond.org.mt/villa-chelsea

• Dar il-Kaptan (Foundation for Respite Care Services)

Contact details:
Dar il-Kaptan
Rotary Drive, Triq il-Kaptan, Mtarfa
Tel: 21450103
Email: info@darilkaptan.org
Website: http://www.darilkaptan.org

• Fondazzjoni Arka, Gozo

The Arka Foundation
Triq il-Moghdija,
Ghajnsielem, Gozo
Tel: 21565773
Email: respite@go.net.mt
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.arkafoundation.org

In the above-mentioned organisations, yearly memberships may be required and/or some nominal fees may apply. Special arrangements can be made for persons with limited means. For further information please contact the organisation directly.

• Casa Apap Bologna (Hila) – This is a private organisation. Different packages can be offered and a detailed care plan will be drafted together with the client and relatives.

Contact details:

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

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.

You can get more information from:

Aġenzija Sapport

Patri Ġwann Azzopardi Street, Santa Venera

Tel: 22568000

Email: sapport@gov.mt

Gozo Office

Learning Hub, Triq, l-Imġarr, Għajnsielem GSM9016

Tel: 21569909.

Email: sapportgozo@gov.mt

Website: www.sapport.gov.mt

Facebook: Aġenzija Sapport

Active Ageing and Community Care

Ċentru Servizz Anzjan

3, Ċentru Servizz Anzjan, Triq Żekka, Il-Belt, Valletta

Freephone: 153 /159 or Tel. 2278 8800

E-mail: aaccd-services@gov.mt

Website: www.activeageing.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

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 them on:

Richmond Foundation

Address: 424, St. Joseph High Road, St. Venera SVR 1013

Tel: 21224590 / 21482336 / 21480045

Email: info@richmond.org.mt

Website: www.richmond.org.mt

Yes. The Housing Authority provides financial aid and technical advice to persons with intellectual or physical disability to carry out adaptation works related to their disability in their residence:

• A grant – of a maximum of 18,500 Euro[1] – is given to those persons whose disability substantially affects one or more of the major vital activities.
• If you own the residence, the value of your residence should not exceed 250,000 Euro.
• Assets of the applicant(s), in the year preceding the application, should not exceed 30,000 Euro.
• Income of the applicant(s), in the year preceding the application, should not exceed 35,696.81 Euro.

The applicant has to be the legal representative, parent, child, brother or sister of a person with a disability, or the person with disability him/herself.

You can apply online here: https://housingauthority.gov.mt/en/onlineforms/Pages/PersonsDisabilitySchemeMT.aspx

More information can be found on:

Housing Authority

22, Triq Pietro Floriani

Floriana FRN 1060

Freephone: 153 / Tel.: 22991000

Email: customer.care.ha@ha.gov.mt

Website: https://housingauthority.gov.mt/en/Pages/Schemes/Scheme-for-Persons-with-Disability.aspx

[1] These amounts may be subject to change. Please always check with the entity concerned.

Yes. In order to apply for social housing based on your disability, you need a doctor’s certificate relating to your disability, or the Special Identity Card (now the EU-SID card) issued by the CRPD. You can download the application for social housing here: https://housingauthority.gov.mt/en/Pages/Schemes/all-application-forms.aspx

More information can be found here:

Housing Authority

22, Triq Pietro Floriani

Floriana FRN 1060

Freephone: 153 / Tel.: 22991000

Email: customer.care.ha@ha.gov.mt

Website: https://housingauthority.gov.mt/en/Pages/Schemes/all-application-forms.aspx

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/

Villa Chelsea (Richmond Foundation), (for adults with mental health problems)

Contact details:

Villa Chelsea

33, Old Church Street, Birkirkara

Tel: 2144 0456, 2148 8062

E-mail: villachelsea@vol.net.mt

Website: http://www.richmond.org.mt/villa-chelsea

In the above-mentioned organisations, yearly memberships may be required and/or some nominal fees may apply. Special arrangements can be made for persons with limited means. For further information please contact the organisation directly.

Casa Apap Bologna (Hila) – This is a private organisation. Different packages can be offered and a detailed care plan will be drafted together with the client and relatives.

Contact details:

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.

More information can be obtained from:

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 EU Disability Card is issued by the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) and hence requests for a new card or to renew it have to be sent to this Commission. You have to fill an application form that can be obtained from the Commission’s office or downloaded from: http://crpd.org.mt/services/sid-eu-card/. Applications (including for the renewal of the card) have to be accompanied by two recent passport sized photos certified as yours by a professional. It is also possible to apply for a new EU Disability Card online at the same link, applicants will need to upload photos and if applicable a medical certificate as well as fill in the online form (Directions are given on the website). A permanent EU Disability Card is valid for ten years if you are an adult; and for a shorter period if you are a child. If you lost your card you have to follow the same procedure as if you are renewing it, sending also a declaration on a prescribed form stating that you have lost your card. This form can be obtained from the Commission’s office. These applications/requests can be sent to the Commission by post or via email.

More information can be obtained from:

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: 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.

More information on the Sonia Tanti Independent Living Centre can be obtained from:

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: crpd.org.mt

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.

More information on FITA can be obtained from:

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

In the case of information technology and other assistive devices for children (during their educational years) one can also contact the Access to Communication and Technology Unit (ACTU), which is a trans-disciplinary team focusing on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT), delivered by Speech and Language Therapists (SLT), Occupational Therapists (OT), Specialist Teacher (ST) with the support of Learning Support Educators (LSE).

The multidisciplinary team provides assessment to disabled students on equipment that they can use to have a better education, to communicate and to solve problems that they might face in daily living and social activities. It also provides training on equipment to be used. This can include alternative ways of using a computer, the use of remote control to open doors, and trials of software such as that of voice recognition.

Learners with physical disabilities, complex communication needs, and learning difficulties may be referred to the service. Areas of concern for people who contact the service include issues in accessing the educational curriculum or in communication, problems with reading or writing and difficulties in controlling the environment either at home or in school or at work.

A referral form has to be filled in so that an assessment is carried out by the professionals to evaluate which equipment related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and Assistive Technology (AT) would be best to suit the learners’ needs. Referral forms can be downloaded from: https://education.gov.mt/en/education/student-services/Pages/Special_Education/Access-to-Communication–Technology-Unit-(ACTU).aspx.

More information can be obtained from:

The Access to Communication and Technology Unit

The Student Services Department

Triq Fra Gaetano Pace Forno, Il-Ħamrun,

Tel: 25983494

Email: actu.mede@gov.mt

Aġenzija Sapport has two programmes that offer information, guidance and financial support to persons with disability to buy equipment that help them live more independently. These programmes are Empowerment Scheme and the Grant on Purchase of Specialised Equipment. Applicants of the Empowerment scheme are also entitled to full VAT refund, if applicable, on the equipment bought. Applicants have to submit a report by a professional (for example, an occupational therapist or audiologist), together with the application form that can be downloaded from: https://sapport.gov.mt/en/Pages/Empowerment-Scheme.aspx. The maximum financial support that this scheme offers is 50% (excluding VAT refund) of the cost of the equipment bought up to a maximum of 1,800 Euro[1] (although this maximum can be exceeded in exceptional cases). This scheme does not consider applications to buy equipment that costs less than 300 Euro[2] or that is related to accommodation, or from residents of Government homes.

The Grant on Purchase of Specialised Equipment financially supports persons with disability and their families to purchase certain specialised equipment. Applications have to be submitted within three months of purchase of the equipment and have to be done on the prescribed form that can be downloaded from: https://sapport.gov.mt/en/Pages/Grant-on-Purchase-of-Specialised-Equipment.aspx.

More information on these two schemes can be obtained from:

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.

The Malta Community Chest Fund Foundation also offers financial support to persons with disability to buy equipment that help them live more independently. Applications have to be done on prescribed form that can be downloaded from https://www.mccff.org.mt/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/MCCFF-Application-EN.pdf. More information can be obtained from:

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

[1] Amounts may be subject to change. You should always check this with the entity involved.

[2] Amounts may be subject to change. You should always check this with the entity involved.

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.

More information can be obtained from:

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

Gozo Office

Learning Hub, Triq, l-Imġarr, Għajnsielem

Tel: 21569909.

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

Secretary of the Blue Sticker Appeals Board

CRPD Gozo Helpdesk

Sannat Primary and Special Unit
Sannat Road
Sannat
Gozo

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

If you want to apply for a Keep Clear, you have to follow the same process but the only documents you need to submit with the application form are a Copy of the ID Card of the applicant, a Copy of the Blue Card, and a Copy of the Special ID Card / EU Disability Card.

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

If the Disabled Person’s Parking Space is in the street or in any other public space, you should contact the nearest police station. If this happens in a private space such as a supermarket, you should inform the supermarket manager.

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.

More information about the services of Aġenzija Sapport can be obtained from:

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.

More information about the services of Aġenzija Sapport can be obtained from:

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

The Residential Services run by Agenzija Sapport may be used by any individual with disability (minors and adults). Upon receiving a request, the Social Work Services of the same agency will carry out the intake assessment through which they will recommend the most appropriate service, residential or community.

For more information please contact:

Aġenzija Sapport

Head Office

Address: Fr. Ġwann Azzopardi Street, St. Venera SVR 1614

Telephone: +356 2256 8000

Email: sapport@gov.mt

There are other residential facilities which are run by different Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and have their own eligibility criteria. These residential services include: Dar tal-Providenza, Fundazzjoni Nazareth & Dar il-Wens.

Dar tal-Providenza

Lapsi Road,

Is-Siġġiewi,

Tel: 21462844

Email: info@dartalprovidenza.org

Fondazzjoni Nazareth

100 Dar Nazareth,

Triq Santu Wistin,

Żejtun

Tel: 21694874

Email: fondazzjoni.nazareth@gmail.com

Dar il-Wens

Email: ilwens@go.net.mt

Fondazzjoni Wens, Dar Residenzjali ghall- Persuni b’Dizabilita

The Strand, Kalkara

Tel: 21 696 825

Agenzija Sapport organises Workshops and Support Groups meetings on a monthly basis. Topics include: Introduction to Aġenzija Sapport, Dealing with the diagnosis, Siblings of children with disability, Inclusion, advocacy and client self-determination, Self-Care and Respite, Educational system, Overprotectiveness, Letting go, friendships and socialization, Sexuality, Sex education and people with disability, Disciplining a child with a disability, Parenting a child with a disability, Preparing children with a disability for employment & Way forward and future planning. Moreover, Sapport Social Work Services facilitate support groups for adults who have a sibling with a disability.

More information can be obtained from:
Aġenzija Sapport
Head Office
Address: Fr. Ġwann Azzopardi Street, St. Venera
Telephone: 2256 8000
Email: sapport@gov.mt

The Early Intervention Service hold support groups and workshops for parents supporting children with various needs.
More information can be obtained from:
National School Support Services
Triq Fra Gaetano Pace Forno
Il-Ħamrun
Tel: 2598 3494
Email: studentservices.mede@gov.mt

All disabled people residing permanently can be registered with CRPD in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. They can also receive the services that CRPD and Agenzija Sapport provide.

For further information, you may wish to contact any of the following entities:

Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities

G5 Offices

Psaila Street

Birkirkara

Tel: 2226 7600

SMS Only: 79788555

Aġenzija Sapport

Triq Fr Ġwann Azzopardi, Santa Venera

Tel: 22568000

Emailsapport@gov.mt

Website: https://sapport.gov.mt/en/Contact-Us/Pages/Contact-Details.aspx

A residential facility for disabled persons has to follow a set of standards that includes, amongst other things, that you:

1. have a personal support plan drawn up with your involvement;
2. are assigned a staff member who keeps regular contact with you and those involved in your support;
3. participate in the planning and choice of daily activities after having the necessary information;
4. communicate in a manner with which you feel comfortable and all documents are given to you in a format accessible to you;
5. are supported to receive the necessary health care including medicine, healthy food and palliative care;
6. are free not to practice any particular belief and to be given the necessary support to do so, if you so choose;
7. have the right to leave the residential service to live elsewhere if this is in your best interest.

The facility must also:

1. deal with situations of concerns and complaints promptly and effectively;
2. have a consultative committee composed of representatives of the residents, of the guardians and a social worker unless the residents decide otherwise;
3. ensure your security through risks evaluation;
4. have a policy on sexuality and sexual health and provides an educational programme on these issues according to your need.

More information can be obtained from:

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

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities stipulates that state parties shall prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities in the provision of health insurance, and life insurance where such insurance is permitted by national law, which shall be provided in a fair and reasonable manner.