John Culatto
A STAND put up in Casemates has shown the moves being taken to include persons with disabilities in the workplace and in everyday life.
It marks the intention of the Ministry of Equality to give persons with disabilities more respect through tools that give them better lives.
The initiatives were launched under the Ministry’s two different strategies, ‘Equality Means Business’ and ‘Gibraltar; everybody different, everybody equal’.
They will lead to the introduction of an Information Card, RADAR Key Pilot Scheme, Accessible Public Toilet leaflets, Disability Awareness Training and Disability guidance booklets.
The information cards allows persons with disabilities to discreetly inform others of the finer details of their condition.
The key scheme allows people with disabilities to use toilets even outside public opening times.
Additionally, businesses who provide access to their premises will be able to claim tax back of up to £15,000 for the building costs.
Guidance on how to treat people with disabilities in the workplace or in the street is available from the Ministry in its booklets.
Are you doing enough?
“I am very happy to say that we have come a long way since I started as Minister for Equality, with some very innovative and breakthrough initiatives having been launched by this Government,” said Samantha Sacramento, Minister for Equality.
“The Disability Act 2017 aims to build on and give effect to the right to not be treated less favourably and puts the rights of people with disabilities on an equal footing with everyone else’s.
“As I have said on previous occasions, the law by itself is not enough and in order for it to be meaningful, continuous education, awareness and training is essential to ensure that the community properly understands its obligations and becomes more responsible in the way that it treats people with disabilities.
“I therefore ask for each and everyone of us to look at ourselves, whatever your profession is, whether you are a business owner, a public servant, a shop keeper.”
“Ask yourselves, what can you do to make the service that you give more accessible? Are you doing enough?
“These are questions we should be asking ourselves regularly to ensure that we as a community remove the barriers built by our society.”
