life
ONE SIZE DOESN’T FIT ALL
Disability doesn’t disable individuality. BY ELENA SCIALTIEL
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ebbie took over the Disability Society chairpersonship when founder Agnes Valarino passed away over fifteen years ago, and she’s still at the helm of a support and fundraising association which aims at fully integrating people with disabilities in the community and help them live life to the fullest. “Most committee members are relatives or carers of someone with disability, whether physical or learning, so we have a firsthand insight in the challenges posed,” she says. “It is important to make everyone aware that a policy of one-size-fits-all isn’t viable, because every disability is different, and even two people with a similar disability may express different vocations, talents and ambitions, and we must assist them in realising their potential in their adult life, fulfilling their right to professional careers and to independent living 34
when possible, whether assisted or not.” Legislation has progressed, but the Society still seeks the introduction in full of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. One of the most significant achievements in the Society’s history has been the integration of children with disabilities in mainstream schools. The Society is also calling for continuity in care from childhood to adulthood and a smooth transition from school to workplace.
the cross-agency communication necessary to look at each case in an individual and holistic manner, in order to bring solutions and opportunities to the persons with disabilities, who often find themselves disoriented and stranded when they leave school and are faced with ‘the rest of their lives’. “Life expectancy is longer and we must plan ahead from their early years in order to offer them a good quality of life.”
Two people with a similar disability may express different vocations, talents and ambitions.
Debbie feels that the coordination between Government departments could improve on
Continuity of care is paramount. Staffing turnover at St. Bernadette’s, Dr Giraldi and the satellite flats is worrying the Society, especially with Brexit looming and the fate of frontier workers at stake. “Service users and carers build a GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE MARCH 2020
