(Persons with Disability) (Chapter 413) - CRPDthis was the most sector in which CRPD received new...

Commission for the rights of Persons with Disability

Equal Opportunities Act

Annual Report 2016/2017 CrPD

(Persons with Disability)(Chapter 413)

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Publication:Commission for the rights of Persons with Disability (CrPD)G5 Offices, Salvu Psaila Street, Birkirkara BKR 9077Telephone: 2226 7600SMS (only): 7978 8555Email: [email protected]

© Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability – 2018

Annual Report 2016/2017 CRPD 3

Following the implementation of the amendments to the Equal Opportunities Act in 2016, today we are issuing the first annual report of the work carried out in line with these amendments. In fact, the report being issued includes information on two new areas where the Commission is investigating allegations of discrimination, the health sector, and that related to the rights of persons with disability as defined in Article 3 of the Act.

Of course, the rights are not automatically guaranteed simply because they are specified in law. So it is very important that these rights are recognised and adhered to by society at large so that persons with disability are not discriminated against.

This also calls for a change in institutional behaviour, in the way various entities interact wherein they unfortunately practise policies or processes leading to outcomes that disregard the rights of persons with disability, or else consider them as secondary matters.

Introduction

Equal Opportunities Act (Persons with Disability (Chapter 413)4

It is therefore imperative for the Commission to strive on strenghtening its work, particularly in relation to the compliance of the Equal Opportunities. This includes the recruitment of more officers who are experienced in different areas. One can not but mention that the work of the Commission is also being strengthened by its new premises in Birkirkara. The clients visiting the premises can now avail from a modern site designed to be fully accessible and welcoming.

Finally I would like to recall the memory of Mr John Peel, an activist in the field of disability, who for many years has served on the Test of Reasonableness Board. In fact Mr Peel is referred to as the Deputy Chair of the Board for the year 2016/2017.

oliver sciclunaCommissioner


• During the year 2016/2017, the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability worked on a total of 522 complaints. Of these, 319 were pending from the previous years while 203 were newly placed complaints.

• The number of new complaints for this year (203) means a decrease of 45 complaints on last year’s number of complaints. Since last year the Commission has worked on 248 new complaints.

• Apart from these complaints, CRPD has worked on 20 requests received from the public for consultancy or advice.

• When adding the complaints and these consultancies during the 2016/2017, CRPD has worked on 542 jobs whereby 331 were pending and 211 were opened in the period covered by this report.

• During the first 17 years, the Commission investigated a total of 2096 complaints, which means an average of 123 complaints per year. The lowest number

Executive Summary


of new complaints was investigated in the year 2003/2004 (71) while the highest number was investigated in the year 2015/2016 (248).

• In the employment sector, the number of new complaints throughout this year increased from 14 to 19 complaints.

• In the education sector, the number of new complaints increased from 13 to 42 complaints.

• In the accessibility sector, 86 new complaints were registered which means a decrease of 45 complaints from last year. For the fourth consecutive year, this was the most sector in which CRPD received new complaints.

• In the provision of goods, facilities and services 34 new complaints were registered, which entails a decrease of 51 complaints from last year.

• In the housing sector there was an increase of 4 registered complaints from last year (from 5 to 9 complaints).

• For the first time in 5 years, there were registered cases in the insurance sector (5).

• The highest number of new complaints for another year were made against the Government (89) which substantially surpassed the number of new complaints made against the private sector (61). Then there were 37 new complaints against the Local Councils and finally 10 new complaints against public-private entities and 6 new complaints against the Church.

• The highest number of complaints concerning the accessibility sector (29) were made against the Local Councils, while 36 cases related to education and 4 related to rights were made against the


Government. The highest number of new complaints related to goods, facilities and services (14) were made against the private sector.

• Throughout this year the Commission closed 232 complaints out of a total of 522 complaints that it worked on (or 44% of complaints). Although there was an increase in cases (from 424 to 522), the number of closed complaints is higher from the last year (138).

• The highest number of closed complaints concerned the Government (113). The number of complaints concluded in relation to the private sector was 66, followed by 40 against the Local Councils, 8 regarding the public-private entities, and 8 concerning the Church.

• Throughout the coming year, the Commission will work on 274 complaints

that require further discussion as these have not been concluded in the months covered by this report. Of these, 112 complaints concern the private sector, 71 concern the Government, 69 were made against the Local Councils, 13 complaints target the Church, and 9 the public-private entities.

• The largest number of complaints still unresolved is precisely in complaints related to lack of accessibility. Among the factors for the delay is the fact that physical accessibility can only be implemented through works which sometimes take time.

• During the year 2016/2017 the Commission had 1 judicial protest in the First Hall of the Civil Court and continued the work on 12 protests submitted in previous years, and 3 pending court cases.


• This was the 14th year running since the beginning of the Test of Reasonableness Board’s operation during which it received requests for exemptions based on structural and financial reasons related to complaints concerning accessibility and development applications. This year also marked the second year since the Board was statutorily founded through the amendments in the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act.

• Throughout the past year, the Board reviewed 49 cases, the same number of last year. Of these, 27 were deemed as reasonable while 21 cases were not accepted. There was also 1 case about which no decision could be taken from the provided information and consequently further information was requested.

• During this year, the Commission’s technical officers conducted 89 site inspections to determine the level of accessibility.

• This was the first full calendar year which saw the implementation of the Act to provide Parking Concessions for Persons with Disability, Chapter 560 of the Laws of Malta.

• During 2017, the Commission received 103 reports containing of Blue Badge abuse, reserved parking abuse or the person using the Blue Badge does not seem entitled.


The Commission has a section within its secretariat, called the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act Section. This section receives complaints from persons with disability who claim to have suffered discrimination based on disability. This work is done in accordance with the requirements of the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act, since the Commission has an obligation to oversee that everything included in the Act’s Articles is executed so that the rights of persons with disability are protected. When a complaint is received

from a person with disability, a relative or an organization representing the same person, the Commission sends an email to the charged entity and asks for its reaction. The charged entity is obliged to answer in accordance with the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act. The Section does its utmost to find a suitable solution where possible. Where this is not possible due to lack of willingness by the entity charged, the Commission uses the Act to impose change. This section has since 2014 run by the Commissioner Oliver Scicluna. In

An overview of themain complaints


June 2016 Dr Bernard A. Busuttil returned to the Commission following his secondment in other Ministries, and assumed an advisory role within the section. Consequently the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act Section is currently composed of:

• Mr Oliver Scicluna, Commissioner • Dr Bernard A. Busuttil, Manager• Ms Victoria Grech, Assistant Manager• Mr Christian Camilleri, Assistant Manager• Ms Jessica Schembri, Assistant Manager• Dr Alexia Farrugia Zrinzo, Legal

Consultant

As it has done every year since the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act came into force, the Commission is presenting a booklet containing a report on the work related to the Act carried out in the

previous 12 months, between October 2016 and September 2017. The work reports on the Act concerned which the Commission presents cover the period starting October, not January, since the Act came into full force in October 2000. This means that we are in the 17th year of operation of the Act. The Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act is divided into headings, whereby some of the headings indicate the areas which cannot discriminate against persons on basis of their disability. Through the amendments entered into force in May, some rights were added to those rights already in existance. In fact with the amended law, there was an introduction of a section entitled ‘The Rights of Persons with Disabilities’ (Bill of Rights). On the other hand, the list of areas which cannot be discriminated can be grouped in six main headings which are:


• Employment• Education• Accessibility• Goods, facilities and services• Health• Accommodation• Health• Rights

Heading 7 under the same Act provides information on exemptions. Through a number of Articles, this heading also protects persons with disability from discrimination in terms of insurance.

This part of the work report shall provide an account of the main complaints which the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act Section addressed this past year. These complaints are selected according to the

sector they belong to, with each sector being further subdivided into three categories:

• Closed complaints;• Complaints regarding which discussion is

still ongoing (or pending); and• Complaints presented in court.


1. emPloyment

CloseD ComPlaints

request from person with visual impairment for workplace accommodation (Complaint 8)A person with visual impairment has been assigned work that involves reading mail and email documents that include attached documents printed in a format not easy to read. The person was sent back to her original work.

Person with disability allege discrimination when dismissed from work (Complaint 6)A person with disability alleged to have been dismissed due to disability. After investigation by the section, it was established that the dismissal was not motivated by the person’s disability but by other factors.

PenDing ComPlaints

Person with disability paid three months in arreas (Complaint 21) A person with disability complained for not being paid his wages immediately. After several attempts to contact the employer, the employee received all overdue payments. However, after some months the employee stopped being paid regularly. Moreover, the same person did not receive a number of payslips. request from person with disability to perform another job within the same workplace because of her disability (Complaint 22)There was a request from this person to start working in the control room but it was rejected because of work’s nature. An


alternative site suitable for this person is being identified.

CoUrt

There were not complaints related to the employment sector presented in court.

2. eDUCation

CloseD ComPlaints

Person with visual impairment is informed that while the application for maltese Proof reading course has not been rejected, a certificate cannot be given (Complaint 27) A person with visual impairment applied for the Maltese Proof Reading course at the University of Malta. Difficulty arose because

no accessibility arrangement could be find, despite the intervention of the Foundation for IT Accessibility (FITA). Given that no solution was found, the person was refunded the paid fee.

the school refuses to allow disabled students use the iPad to be used specifically for school (Complaint 60) A student with disability started communicating by using a tablet after being assessed by the Access to Communication and Technology Unit (ACTU). The school did not allow him to use the tablet as this constitutes a violation of school rules. Following receipt of the complaint, there were discussions with the school whereby it was explained the necessity of the tablet, and therefore he was allowed to use it again.


PenDing ComPlaints

lack of accessibility in computer schools (Complaint 23)A number of computer schools are not accessible and inspections are being conducted to find a solution. These are made in collaboration with the National Commission for Further and Higher Education (NCFHE).

mUt directive steers lsas not to accompany students for therapy sessions in jacuzzi (Complaint 61) Learning Support Assistants in the Helen Keller Resource Centre refused to accompany the students for water therapy offered by the school in a suitable jacuzzi. This treatment is very useful because it helps students to soften their muscles. This process helps to reduce the pain and stress of the students.


CoUrt

There were not complaints related to the education sector presented in court.

3. aCCessibility

CloseD ComPlaints

lack of accessibility in the Valletta outlet (Complaint 98)This case involved lack of accessibility for the entrance and cafeteria of Marks and Spencer in Valletta. CRPD received and evaluated the owners’ proposals, and the case was closed after works were carried out over the entrance and the installation of a platform lift.

the platform lift in the premises does not accommodate a battery operated wheelchair (Complaint 112) A person using an electric wheelchair complained that the platform lift installed in Dar l-Ewropa is not strong enough for her wheelchair. Eventually the platform lift was changed with another one suitable for these types of wheelchairs.

lack of access to pool area (Complaint 146)This case dates back to 2013 when there was a complaint about the lack of access to the pool area, known as Costa del Mar. This complaint was closed after CRPD verified that a hoist was installed, and proper signs to render the site accessible for all.


Library to be accessible. This complaint shall close once expected completion of works as agreed with CRPD are carried out.

CoUrt

lack of accessibility at saint anthony’s band Club, birkirkara (Complaint 79) This case started in 2003 when the Band Club was still not open for the public. Although the building had a lift shaft, the lift has never been installed and therefore different floors within the club are not accessible for all.

The Commission has made several attempts to keep in touch with the club’s Society and sent technical officers including its Architects onsite no less than five times to verify the accessibility issue. However by 2016 the lift has not been installed.

PenDing ComPlaints

lack of accessibility in Police stations around malta and gozo (Complaint 91)CRPD launched an exercise with the Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security regarding accessibility of Police Stations around Malta and Gozo. Meetings were held to verify works to be done, according to an an audit report compiled by CRPD’s Architect. Eventually, work started on a number of Police Stations that are now accessible, while more work will be done in the future so that all Police Stations are accessible.

lack of accessibility in the national library of malta (Complaint 296) Following a complaint for the lack of accessibility in the National Library of Malta, CRPD approved proposals for the National


Thus in 2016 the Commission opened a Court case against the same club. The Court pronounced judgement in favour of the Commission and ordered the club’s Society to render the premises accessible for persons with disability within three months. The club appealed against this sentence. Pending appeal, the Society is still cooperating with CRPD to implement the necessary changes.

empire Cinema Complex (Complaint 75)This complaint dates back to 2006 and CRPD sent its technical officers several times to inspect the premises. Following a judicial protest submitted in 2016, representatives of the building owners presented their proposals to CRPD to render the complex accessible. These proposals were accepted by CRPD and submitted to the Planning Authority.

4. gooDs, faCilities anD serViCes

CloseD ComPlaints

Complaint about a dangerous reserved parking for persons with disability located too close to the shore (Complaint 371)Following receipt of this complaint, CRPD contacted Transport Malta for a solution. Transport Malta installed guard rails to serve as protection for persons using the reserved parking, especially when there is rough sea. large vans accessible to wheelchairs rejected by scheme (Complaint 388) A person turned to the Commission having felt discriminated against and rejected by a WasteServ scheme. Following contacts between CRPD and WasteServ, the procedures have been corrected not to


Council should apply for a reserved parking.

CoUrt

Hand controls not offered with rental cars (Complaint 369)This complaint has been open since 2009 due to the fact that Smart Travel Ltd does not provide a specialised kit which when fitted to the car, the latter can be driven by hand rather than with feet. This kit is not expensive and a technical person, who may not be an expert, can fit and remove the kit with any car in a short time. CRPD submitted a judicial protest against the company following unsuccessul attempts to reach an amicable agreement.

exclude persons with a Blue Badge to benefit from the scheme.

PenDing ComPlaints

mPt mobile application is not accessible (Complaint 401)CRPD received a complaint that the Malta Public Transport app is not fully accessible, especially for persons with visual impairment. For this purpose, there were talks with MPT and the Foundation for IT Accessibility (FITA) to find a solution.

reserved parking requirement in front of oK medical, birkirkara (Complaint 405)After being informed about the urge for a reserved parking in front of OK Medical in Birkirkara, CRPD contacted Transport Malta and Birkirkara Local Council to address this situation. It was agreed that the Local


5. aCCommoDation

CloseD ComPlaints

lift was installed differently than the one agreed inside the block (Complaint 477)CRPD technical officers made an onsite inspection to verify accessibility in the block, and checked if the development was completed according to the plans. This survey showed that the lift and the entrances are according to accessibility standards.

Delays in the installation of a lift in person with disability’s residential block (Complaint 479)CRPD contacted Enemalta about this case and the lift was installed thanks to this intervention.

PenDing ComPlaints

lack of handrails on both sides of the entrance stairs in an apartment block (Complaint 480) CRPD received a complaint about lack of railing that was making it difficult for person with disability to access her apartment. CRPD contacted the block’s administrator who in turn compiled a list of works to be allowed to start.

lift is out of order and some residents object for the installation of railing along the communal stairs (Complaint 478)Initially CRPD found full cooperation from the block’s administrator and in fact the lift was duly repaired. However there were objections for the installation of a railing along the communal staircase.


PenDing ComPlaints

Person with disability is informed that they cannot be insured and in case they are insured they have to pay triple the normal insurance (Complaints 485, 486, 487)As far as possible, the Commission tries to help persons who feel discriminated against in this regard through counselling and similar interventions.

CoUrt

No cases relating to the insurance sector appeared in court.

CoUrt

No cases relating to accommodation sector appeared in Court.

6. insUranCe

CloseD ComPlaints

Complaint on life policy for persons with disability (Complaint 484)As far as possible, the Commission tries to help persons who feel discriminated against in this regard through counselling and interventions.


7. health

CloseD ComPlaints

Person with disability has taken her CPaP machine to hospital for repair however it was not returned to her (Complaint 489)Person with disability complained that the CPAP Machine which she took to hospital for repair was not returned to her. The machine belongs to the same hospital. When contacted by CRPD, the hospital confirmed that the machine will be returned to the person when she goes for the clinic’s appointment. In fact this was done.

8. rights of Persons with Disability

In view of their sensitive nature, the cases related to the rights will not be reported in this section.


work in 2000-2017

This year happens to be the 17th year since the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act came into force. During the period covered by this report, the Commission worked on a total of 522 complaints. Of these, 319 complaints were, for various reasons, left pending from the previous year. The Commission also worked on 203 newly opened cases during this year. When one compares the number of new complaints with those of the previous year, one can note that:

• The Commission received 45 complaints less than last year. In fact there were 248 new complaints registered last year.

• The Commission worked on a total of 522 complaints, which entails an increase of 98 complaints than last year. This increase is almost the same as last year and in fact in the previous period there was an increase of 97 registered complaints.

• Considering that, as indicated in Table 2, the average number of complaints received by CRPD in 17 years is

General overview


123 complaints, the number of new complaints received by CRPD during this year is 80 complaints higher than the average.

• Following the 2016 amendments in the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act, CRPD started to maintain statistics regarding discrimination in the health sector and rights violations.

Table 1 provides information on all the complaints the Commission worked on throughout this year across all sectors.

table 1: new complaints investigated throughout 2016/2017 empl. educ. access goods,

fac. & serv.

housing ins. health rights total

Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nrfrom previous years

3 1 33 10 208 65 71 22 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 319

new 19 9 42 21 86 42 34 17 9 4 5 2 1 0 7 3 203total 22 4 75 14 294 56 105 20 12 2 6 1 1 0 7 1 522


Table 2 compares the new complaints received by CRPD throughout this year with the cases opened each year since the Act came into force. This table shows that:

• Over these 17 years of operation, CRPD investigated a total of 2096 complaints, which means an average of 123 complaints per year. The year 2003/2004 registered the lowest number of complaints (71) while the year 2015/2016 registered the highest number (248).

• In the employment sector, the number of new complaints (19) shows an increase of 5 complaints from the last year (14). This means 6 complaints more than the average number for all the years (13 complaints). This is the third consecutive year which registered an increase in the number of new complaints

in the employment sector. The fact that this year registered the second highest number of employment related complaints in 17 years clearly shows how persons with disability in Malta recognise how essential it is to use the law in this regard.

• In the education sector, the number of new complaints (42) is an absolute record, with an increase of 29 complaints from the previous year and the double amount of the average for all the years (21 complaints).

• Following the record amount of complaints registered during 2015/2016 (131 complaints) in the accessibility sector, this sector remained the most sector with new complaints. In fact this year registered 86 new complaints, which although represent 45 less than


the last year, they are still the second most amount recorded in this sector. Since the average of new complaints in the accessibility sector is 51 complaints, means that the new complaints received by CRPD in this sector are 35 complaints more than the average for all years.

• In relation to the provision of goods, facilities and services, CRPD received 34 new complaints, which means a decrease of 51 complaints from the last year (85). It is worth mentioning that the average number of received complaints for all years is 33 complaints, which means 1 complaint less than the amount received this year.

• Throughout this year, 9 new complaints were registered in relation to the accommodation sector, which means an increase of 4 complaints from the last year (5). This number also means

that there were 5 more complaints than the average of all the years (4). This average is the second lowest among all the sectors in 17 years, following the insurance sector.

• For the first time in five years, there were registered complaints in the insurance sector. In fact this year registered 5 complaints. The last time there were 5 complaints in a year was in 2009/2010.

• Following the 2016 amendments in the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act, CRPD started to maintain statistics in relation to health discrimination and rights violations. These were previously counted under the goods, facilities and services sector.

• During 2016/2017 there was 1 case about discrimination in the health sector and 7 cases of alleged violations of persons with disability’s rights.


The figures in Table 2 clearly show that persons with disability in our country feel discriminated especially in relation to accessibility, provison of goods, facilities and services, education and employment. It also seems that increasingly, reports received by CRPD in relation to violation of the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act

are increasing. Although one can say that this shows an increased discrimination, a more careful look towards the situation shows that awareness on the rights of persons with disability is constantly increasing. This is leading to an increased number of people with the knowledge who are resorting to the Commission with new reports.

table 2: new complaints over the years empl. educ. access goods,

fac. & serv.

housing insurance health rights total

Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % 00/01 13 14 10 11 50 53 19 20 1 1 2 2 - - - - 9501/02 10 13 8 11 42 55 14 18 2 3 - - - - - - 7602/03 11 15 23 31 18 24 16 21 5 7 2 3 - - - - 7503/04 9 13 16 23 25 35 16 23 2 3 3 4 - - - - 7104/05 7 8 26 29 27 30 25 27 4 4 2 2 - - - - 9105/06 6 7 24 26 42 46 18 20 1 1 1 1 - - - - 92


06/07 9 9 14 13 57 54 22 21 1 1 2 2 - - - - 10507/08 8 8 28 29 44 45 15 15 2 2 1 1 - - - - 9808/09 11 6 38 22 65 38 50 29 6 3 2 1 - - - - 17209/10 14 14 22 21 35 34 22 21 5 5 5 5 - - - - 10310/11 19 20 19 20 25 26 31 32 2 2 - - - - - - 9611/12 20 16 19 16 31 25 42 34 8 7 2 2 - - - - 12212/13 22 13 15 9 57 35 65 40 5 3 - - - - - - 16413/14 17 11 20 12 71 44 47 29 6 4 - - - - - - 16114/15 12 10 12 10 63 51 32 26 5 4 - - - - - - 12415/16 14 6 13 5 131 53 85 34 5 2 - - - - - - 24816/17 19 9 42 21 86 42 34 17 9 4 5 2 1 0 7 3 203total 00/17

221 11 349 17 869 41 553 26 69 3 27 1 1 0 7 0 2096

average for all 17 years

13 11 21 17 51 41 33 26 4 3 2 2 1 1 7 6 123

table 2: new complaints over the years empl. educ. access goods,

fac. & serv.

housing insurance health rights total


The complaints received by CRPD affect various entities and for the purposes of this publication, these are being classified into six different categories. These comprise Government entities, public-private entities, Local Councils, the Church, private entities, and workers’ Union.

Table 3 analyses the complaints received by CRPD over the past 17 years, assigned according to their relation to the above-mentioned entities. As shown in the table, over the past year there were yet another time more complaints placed against public entities, namely Government, public-private bodies, or Local Councils (136 complaints or 67% of all complaints). There were 6 complaints against ecclesiastical entities, or 3% of complaints registered, and 61 or 30% of all complaints, registered concerning private entities. Compared to the previous

year, there was a decrease of 19 complaints against public entities, especially Local Councils, the same number of complaints against the Church and reduction of 26 complaints against private entities.


table 3: entities about which complaints were made gov. Public-Priv. Councils Church Private Unions total Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr %

00/01 38 40 23 24 6 6 9 9 19 20 - - 9501/02 23 30 13 17 16 21 14 18 10 13 - - 7602/03 34 45 11 15 9 12 2 3 19 25 - - 7503/04 43 61 6 8 8 11 4 6 10 14 - - 7104/05 29 32 15 16 11 12 11 12 25 27 - - 9105/06 28 30 14 15 5 5 25 27 20 22 - - 9206/07 16 15 25 24 15 14 17 16 32 30 - - 10507/08 16 16 10 10 15 15 13 13 44 45 - - 9808/09 72 42 14 8 9 5 23 13 54 31 - - 17209/10 41 40 7 7 12 12 8 8 35 34 - - 10310/11 52 54 6 6 9 9 5 5 24 25 - - 9611/12 61 50 1 1 17 14 2 2 41 34 - - 12212/13 85 52 2 1 27 16 4 2 45 27 1 1 16413/14 67 42 2 1 36 22 3 2 53 33 - - 16114/15 50 40 2 2 32 26 2 2 38 31 0 12415/16 92 37 10 4 53 21 6 2 87 35 0 0 248


16/17 89 44 10 5 37 18 6 3 61 30 0 203total 00/17

836 40 171 8 317 15 154 7 617 29 1 0 2096

average for all 17

years

49 40 10 8 19 15 9 7 36 29 1 0 123

table 3: entities about which complaints were made gov. Public-Priv. Councils Church Private Unions total Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr %

work in 2016/2017

Table 4 provides an explanation of the results obtained from the investigation of complaints by CRPD over the past year. In other words, it assesses how many of these complaints remained pending and how many were closed. As explained at the beginning of this report, CRPD worked on a total of 522

complaints, with 232 of these have been closed while in the case of 274 complaints require further investigation and work. Furthermore, there are 16 complaints being addressed in court, either by the submission of a judicial protest or with the opening of court case.


These cases concerning accessibility which led to court are in their majority about lack of accessibility in commercial establishments such as pharmacies and shops, the national football stadium, health clinic and Gozo Court.

From Table 4 it also emerges that throughout the past year, CRPD succeeded in closing 232 complaints of the 522 complaints it was investigating (or 44% of total complaints). This percentage shows substantial increase of 11% in the number of complaints it succeeded in closing in the previous year (33%). It is important to observe that CRPD utilises the resources it has in a wise manner, so that fair solutions can be found for all complaints. CRPD also works in order to attain such solutions within a reasonable time frame, although this is not always possible.

There may be various reasons for this, including the fact that entities concerned do not always have the necessary resources to remedy the situation in an immediate manner, and would therefore require a time-bound plan. Also unfortunately, sometimes not all entities show willingness to fight discrimination against persons with disability.

Moreover, CRPD prefers to use the strategy of information, education/awareness, negotiation, mediation and persuasion in confrontation with entities which are found to cause discrimination. CRPD opts to resort to court only in cases whereby the entities concerned refuse to collaborate and to offer a reasonable solution to the discrimination they have caused. This strategy is perfectly reflected in Table 4 since, as explained here, the number of complaints being addressed


in court (either with the opening of court case or by the submission of judicial protest) is 16, or 3% of all cases.

Table 4 also gives an account of the work and results achieved by CRPD over the past year, according to the type of complaint received. From this table it results that the

greatest number of closed complaints was obtained in accessibility (86 out of 232 closed complaints). It also shows that the second highest number of closed complaints pertain to goods, facilities and services (74). In the education sector, CRPD succeeded in closing 43 complaints, in the employement sectore closed another 17, followed by 6

table 4: work on complaints in 2016/2017 empl. educ. access goods,

fac. & serv.


Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr %Closed 17 7 43 19 86 37 74 32 6 3 2 1 1 0 3 1 232 44Pending 5 2 32 12 194 71 30 11 5 2 4 1 0 0 4 1 274 52Court: Case/ Protest

0 0 0 0 14 88 1 6 1 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 3

total 22 4 75 14 294 56 105 20 12 2 6 1 1 0 7 1 522 100


complaints in the housing sector, and 2 complaints in the insurance sector. Both new sectors, concerning health and rights, had 1 closed case and 3 closed cases respectively.

On the other hand, in the coming year CRPD needs to continue its investigations concerning 274 pending cases, in addition to the new complaints it has yet to receive. Regarding the pending complaints, the highest number is related to physical accessibility (194 out of 274 pending complaints). It should be remarked that most of these cases regard parish churches and pavements in various localities. The second highest number of complaints which CRPD did not manage to close relates to goods, facilities and services whereby there are 30 pending complaints. There are also 32 pending complaints

concerning the education, 5 complaints relating to accommodation and employment, 4 complaints relating to insurance and rights, while there is no pending complaint concerning health.

In addition to these, there are 16 pending complaints appearing before Court following the opening of a court case or filing of a judicial protest. Consequently these complaints shall be treated as pending until their legal process is finalised.

Table 5 provides information on the new complaints CRPD received throughout this year, classified according to different entities within each sector. It is clear that the highest number of complaints related to education (36), health (1) and rights (4) were made against the Government. It is also clear that


entities against whiCh the ComPlaints were maDe

table 5: Complaints against various sectors and entities gov. Pub.-Priv. Councils Church Private Unions total Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr % employment 9 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 53 0 0 19education 36 86 2 5 0 0 3 7 1 2 0 0 42access 26 30 5 6 29 34 1 1 25 29 0 0 86goods, fac. & serv.

9 26 2 6 8 24 1 3 14 41 0 0 34

housing 4 44 1 11 0 0 0 0 4 44 0 0 9insurance 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 100 0 0 5health 1 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1rights 4 57 0 0 0 0 1 14 2 29 0 0 7total 89 44 10 5 37 18 6 3 61 30 0 0 203


the highest number of complaints related to accessibility (29) were made against the Local Councils, 26 were made against the Government and 25 against the private sector.

When one compares the figures obtained this year with the same period last year, it can be observed that the number of new complaints regarding the Government decreased marginally (from 92 to 89 complaints), and there was no change in the number of complaints regarding the public-private sector. There was a decrease in the number of complaints related to Local Councils (from 51 to 37), a decrease in the number of complaints related to the Church (from 8 to 6), and a decrease in the number concerning the private (from 87 to 61). Since there were no complaints in relation to any workers’

Union, the complaint registered in 2012/2013 remains the only complaint received by CRPD in 17 years of enforcement of the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act.


table 6: Complaints outcome according to entity

Closed Pending Court total Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr %government 113 61 71 38 1 1 185 35Pub.-Priv. 8 47 9 53 0 0 17 3Councils 40 37 69 63 0 0 109 21Church 5 28 13 72 0 0 18 3Private 66 34 112 58 15 8 193 37Unions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0total 232 44 274 52 16 3 522 100

Table 6 provides the results obtained by CRPD in its investigation of 522 complaints, which are categorised according to entity.

This table shows that CRPD succeeded in closing 232 complaints, or 44% of the total number of complaints investigated this year. This means 94 more closed complaints than the previous year (138 closed complaints).

The greatest number of closed complaints concerned the Government (113), followed by 66 closed complaints against the private sector. There were also 40 closed complaints against the Local Councils, 5 against the Church, and 8 in relation to the public-private sector. This year CRPD did not need to investigate any complaints against the workers’ Unions.


The same table indicates that there are 274 pending complaints that require further discussion. Of these, 112 complaints concern the private sector, 71 complaints concern the Government, 69 complaints address the Local Councils, 13 complaints relate to the Church and 9 complaints regarded the public-private sector.

There are another 16 cases in Court and of these, 15 cases are against the Government and 1 case against the private sector.

ConsUltation

In addition to its work to resolve complaints received regarding the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act, CRPD continued its work in the law’s educational field, namely the provision of consultancy

services to persons who are directly affected, such persons with disabilities, their family, organisations and professionals. CRPD also provided advisory service to others who are indirectly affected, such as employers, those who offer services as well as educational entities because of the obligations put on them by the same Law. In these cases, CRPD was requested to explain parts of the applicable laws in this area, or provided assistance so that the question is addressed to other entities. As in previous years the number of consultations in this regard was encouraging.

During this year CRPD has worked on several requests from the public for consultancy or advice, of which there were 20 which merited particular attention from the section’s officers, even though it seemed from the


beginning that these were not complaints related to alleged discrimination. The number of these requests that were pending in the year covered by this report was 12 while there were 8 requests opened during this year. If the number of these consultancies is added to the number of complaints reported

above, it shows that during 2016/2017 the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act worked on 542 jobs. Of these, 331 were pending while 211 were opened in the period covered by this report. Table 7 shows these amounts according to the sector.

table 7: Consulting work compared to complaints work in 2016/2017 empl. educ. access goods,

fac. & serv.


Com

pl.

Con

s.

Com

pl.

Con

s.

Com

pl.

Con

s.

Com

pl.

Con

s.

Com

pl.

Con

s.

Com

pl.

Con

s.

Com

pl.

Con

s.

Com

pl.

Con

s.

Com

pl.

Con

s.

from previous years

3 1 33 0 208 0 71 11 3 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 319 12

new 19 0 42 1 86 2 34 5 9 0 5 0 1 0 7 0 203 8total 22 1 75 1 294 2 105 16 12 0 6 0 1 0 7 0 522 20


test of reasonableness boarD

CRPD’s operation to safeguard the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act does not only involve the investigation of complaints received for a possible solution. CRPD is also continuously engaged in offering advice on the implementation and enforcement of the Act, to both persons with disability and their family members (those directly affected) as well as other people in society on whom the Act imposes certain obligations (those indirectly affected).

CRPD coordinates this operation within the framework of what Article 20 of the same Act defines “reasonable”. To assist in its decision-making in particular cases, CRPD has a board that meets regularly and helps it to decide what should be considered reasonable or otherwise.

It is worth mentioning that for 13 years, this board has functioned without being statutorily appointed. This situation has now changed thanks to the amendments to the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act which entered into force on the 10th May 2016. This board is now set up under Article 20A of the same Act, appointed by the Commissioner for three years and at least half of the board should be composed of persons with disability or persons with disability’s family members in case they cannot represent themselves. In these two categories, persons with disability should be in the majority. This was the 14th year of the board’s operation, which was chaired by Ms Rita Vella, with the other members being Mr Ronald Balzan (vice), Mr Christopher Galea (Local Councils representative), Mr John


Peel (parent of person with disability who cannot represent themselves), Mr Malcolm Mallia (Malta Developers Association), Mr Martin Buhagiar and Ms Sarah Cuschieri (Social Security Department representative). Moreover, one of the two CRPD’s Architects is present at each board meeting to act as a technical consultant. These Architects include Mr Frank Muscat and Dr Joseph Spiteri. Ms Marie Barbara, Mr Liston Bongailas, Mr Paul Pulis and Mr Clayton Block (draughtspersons at CRPD) occupy the role of board secretaries alternately.

The majority of cases presented before this board consist of requests for exemption according to Article 20, following CRPD’s vetting of applications for development submitted to the Planning Authority. These applications would have been referred to CRPD for consultation following advice

from CRPD’s draughtspersons and the developer’s Architect. The cases discussed by the board are negotiated together with the applicants (who are invited to attend the baord meeting), and in fact several requests are normally accepted as reasonable, even if subject to certain conditions. In other cases, the board requests further information from the applicants in order to be able to reach a decision. Table 8 provides information regarding the board’s work over the past 14 years, since it was set up. It emerges that this year the board considered 49 cases, which is the same number of cases as last year. Of these, 27 cases were deemed reasonable subject to certain conditions, while 21 cases were not accepted. There was also 1 case about which further investigation was requested.


It is also worth mentioning that the number of cases presented to the board throughout this past year (49) shows a decrease of 11 cases from the yearly average for all 14 years (60). The number of cases referred to the board remained practically identical in the last three years, which can be considered an indication that with the passing of years, developers and their Architects are conforming to the Access for All standards, a document published by CRPD regarding adequate access to persons with disability.

It is also worth pointing out that during this year, the Commission’s techincal officers conducted 89 site inspections to determine the level of accessibility.


table 8: test of reasonableness board Cases

discussedreasonable subject to conditions

not reasonable more information requested

referred to KnPD’s board

Nr Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr %2003/2004 51 30 59 21 41 - - - -2004/2005 71 27 38 44 62 - - - -2005/2006 59 15 25 44 75 - - - -2006/2007 29 11 38 18 62 - - - -2007/2008 39 15 38 24 62 - - - -2008/2009 73 27 37 29 40 16 22 1 12009/2010 82 32 39 26 32 24 29 - -2010/2011 77 30 39 21 27 26 34 - -2011/2012 76 35 46 18 24 23 30 - -2012/2013 66 28 42 21 32 17 26 - -2013/2014 78 45 58 13 17 20 26 - -2014/2015 44 22 50 18 41 4 9 2015/2016 49 22 45 26 53 1 2 02016/2017 49 27 55 21 43 1 2 0


total 2003/2017 843 366 40 344 43 132 17 1 1average for all 14 years 60 26 44 25 44 15 20 1 1

the ParKing for Persons with Disability ConCessions aCt

The Blue Badge, which in the past was also known as Blue Sticker or Blue Card, is an official document recognised across all European Union member countries and other countries outside the Union. The Blue Badge is given to persons with disability with severe mobility problems (both temporary and permanent), persons with substantial loss of vision and persons with severe challenging behaviours.

table 8: test of reasonableness board Cases

discussedreasonable subject to conditions

not reasonable more information requested

refereed to KnPD’s board

Nr Nr % Nr % Nr % Nr %

This document allows eligible persons, or the vehicle in which they are present, to park on reserved parking for persons with disability close to the place of destination. Consequently these persons do not have to walk a long distance due to their impairment.


the blUe baDge in malta The Blue Badge was introduced in Malta in 1960 when the number of physically disabled drivers was only about 100. The document was administered by the Physically Handicapped Rehabilitation Fund (PHRF) of Corradino. At that point in time the Blue Badge was issued on the vehicle of the person.

In 1973 the administration of the document was transferred to the Police and eventually, in 1988 the service was transferred to the National Commission Persons with Disability while the document was still considered a Police Commissioner official document.

In 1993 the Blue Badge started being issued on behalf of the person with disability instead of the vehicle. This is because a person with

disability is not necessarily the driver and therefore they do not necessarily always use the same vehicle.

In 2005 the Commission has seen a substantial increase in applications for the Blue Badge and therefore decided to introduce a system and new procedure whereby the applicant must be seen by a board before being issued a Blue Badge. This will serve as certification that the applicant has severe disability enough to qualify for the service. It was at this point that the Commission has seen a decline in the issuance of the document.

Although the Commission has taken this step to change the procedure, there was a continuation in abuse which the Commission could not control. For example, when family members use the Blue Badge without having


the person with disability in the vehicle, or when photocopying the document.

Following an initiative by the Commission in 2014 to find a way how to limit abuses, it was revealed that the main problem was caused from the fact that the Blue Badge had no legal basis to enforce and strenghten against persons abusing the document. Therefore a decision was taken to create a law on parking concessions for persons with disability.

Through this Act, a multidisciplinary board was officially created to decide whether an applicant should be given a Blue Badge and for what period it should be. The Act also provides for an appeal process for the applicant. Among new changes included in the Act, there are also changes in the

Blue Badge document itself to make it more difficult to make photocopies of the document.

Another enforcement brought by this Act includes increased penalties for abuse of parking of the document itself. Whereby currently the fine is €23, under the Act when a person becomes guilty of abuse shall be liable to a fine not less than €230 and not more than €500 plus towing of the vehicle. Moreover, in case of conviction for subsequent abuse, the person shall be liable to a fine of not less than €1,000 and not more than €1,500 and the towing of the vehicle.

CRPD may also withdraw the Blue Badge in cases where the holder is convicted twice for improper use.


rePorts of abUses

Although the Act providing for Parking Concessions for Perons with Disability states that complaints about Blue Badge abuse should be addressed to the Police, CRPD started receiving reports relating to abuse.

The reports received by CRPD can be divided into three categories: Reports in relation to Blue Badge abuse (ex. Blue Badges allegedly being used by non-disabled persons when not in the company of the Blue Badge holder);Reports on reserved parking for persons with disability (ex. Vehicles parked on reserved parking for persons with disability without presenting the Blue Badge); Reports regarding persons who have been awarded a Blue Badge but allegedly do not

have a disability, or allegedly their disabililty is not severe enough to qualify for a Blue Badge).

The following table provides a breakdown of the amounts of abuse reports received by CRPD in the months it started to receive and act on these abuses.


table 9: reports of abuses related to blue badge or parking from January to December 2017 blue badge

abusesParking abuses

blue badge holders who allegedly do not have a

disability

total

reports received by CrPD 39 47 17 103forwarded to the Police or transport malta

26 44 0 70

reports received again following taking of action

5 6 2 13

As shown in the above table, the highest amount of reports received by the Commission this year regard abuse of parking for persons with disability while in the previous year the highest amount of reports addressed reports of Blue Badges.

As in the previous year, a number of cases falling under category (a) and category (b) were

forwarded to external entities for their action after the Commission had evaluated whether the reports merited further action.

The cases falling under category (a) were referred to the Police, while those falling under category (b) were forwarded to the Police and Transport Authority, being the competent authorities in this sector according to the same Act.


ConClUsion

CRPD is committed to operate the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act to protect and see that rights of persons with disability are safeguarded, reduce discrimination against persons with disabilty, and consequently enjoy a higher quality of life.

To do this, and also to honor its commitment as Malta’s Independent Mechanism of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, CRPD has decided to amend the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act. CRPD considers that this law was a very valuable tool in its work. However CRPD also feels that to be effective, it requires added modern and better tools. Therefore a broad consultation process was

On the other hand, no report under category (c) has been handed over to an external entity. The reason is that the Commission is the responsible body for issuing Blue Badges, and consequently it investigates every report received regarding Blue Badges that were allegedly given incorrectly. In case there is any doubt, the person in question is requested to be seen again by the Blue Badge eligibility board. This time, the Commission makes sure that the board members are different from those present in the previous circumstance.

It is worth mentioning that every time a person has been requested to be seen again by the board, it was proved that they were entitled to the Blue Badge.


launched with bodies that somehow connect with the law, as well as with the public and entities interested in this sector. This process should lead to a legislation that is a mirror of present times and strong enough to serve the new challenges, as well as those in the horizon.

oliver sciclunaCommissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disability

Dr bernard a. busuttilManager

Victoria grechAssistant Manager Christian CamilleriAssistant Manager

Jessica schembriAssistant Manager

Dr alexia farrugia ZrinzoLegal Consultant


List of all complaints

nr Complaint status sector entity opened

emPloyment – ComPlaints from PreVioUs years1 Person with disability feels isolated at

work due to lack of accessibility Pending Private Medelec Jan. 2016

2 Request for a change in working hours has been refused

Closed Private De La Rue Nov. 2015

3 Report concerning maltreatment of an employee with disability

Closed Local Councils

Saint Paul’s Bay Local Council

Dec. 2015

52 Equal Opportunities Act (Persons with Disability (Chapter 413)

emPloyment – new ComPlaints4 Person with disability employed as

receptionist is also given work beyond her responsibility

Closed Private Midi plc Jan. 2017

5 Termination of employment for person with disability as she did not submit medical certificates every week. However the same person claimed she has written exemption from the Social Security Department not to submit weekly certificates because of her medical condition

Closed Government Mater Dei Hospital Jan. 2017

6 Person with disability claims discriminaiton in dismissal from work

Closed Private Koptaco Feb. 2017

7 Request from an employee to sign in fifteen minutes late at work because she needs to accompany her children with disability to school

Closed Government Ministry for the Education and Employment

Feb. 2017


53Annual Report 2016/2017 CRPD

8 Request from visually impaired person for workplace accommodation

Closed Government Ministry for Finance

Feb. 2017

9 Person is requested to do work beyond her physical abiilties

Closed Private ST Microelectronics

April 2017

10 Three persons with disability verbally informed that their job will be terminated in three months time

Pending Private Mapfre Middlesea plc

April 2017

11 Person with disability is not given the required accommodation on the place of work

Closed Private Malta International Airport plc

Oct. 2016

12 Person with disability feels that the written warning received on the place at work was not justified


April 2017

13 Person with disability is suddenly called for a meeting with her superior to be informed that she is not doing all the work she is supposed to do

Closed Government Mater Dei Hospital April 2017



14 Person with disability feels discriminated on the place of work

Closed Government Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects

Nov. 2016

15 Following one year from her employment, a person with disability is not given a card which qualifies her for subsidised food


April 2017

16 Change in duties for person with disability to lower quality work within the same company

Closed Private Playmobil Malta Ltd

Nov. 2016

17 Termination of employment for person with a disability who continues to sign in at work without receiving pay

Closed Government Ministry for the Environment, Sustainable Development and Climate Change

May 2017



18 Person with disability would like to stop working due to her condition but is informed that she needs to work for six consecutive weeks following end of maternity leave

Closed Government Mater Dei Hospital Nov. 2016

19 Person with disability terminates her employment due to lack of accommodation on the place of work

Closed Private Xlendi Hotel & Spa June 2017

20 Person with hearing loss is transferred to another department within the same company whereby machine sounds have negative effect on the same person

Pending Private Actavis July 2017

21 Person with disability is paid for three months in arrears

Pending Government Me2 Co-op Ltd July 2017

22 Request for person with disability for other work within the same workplace due to her condition

Pending Government Corrective Facility of Kordin

Sep. 2017



eDUCation – ComPlaints from PreVioUs years23 Lack of accessibility in IT schools (see

full table in page 68)Pending Private IT schools August

200824 Child with disability is not allowed

to attend school unless there is the LSA or a teacher who knows how to handle her difficult behavior

Closed Government Saint Benedict College

Jan. 2016

25 Person with visual impairment is informed that while the application for Maltese Proof Reading course has not been rejected, a certificate cannot be given

Closed Government Access Disability Support Committee

Feb. 2016

26 Lack of LSAs in summer schools and independent schools


April 2016

27 Services provided from Ta’ Sannat school

Closed Government Sannat School May 2014



eDUCation – new ComPlaints28 Request for Access Arrangements Closed Private University of Malta Jan. 201729 Student alleges improper treatment

received from LSAClosed Government San Ġwann

Primary SchoolJan. 2017

30 Lack of school support for student with disability

Closed Government Saint Thomas Moore College

Jan. 2017

31 Student with disability is denied a communicator during MATSEC’s Intermediate and Advanced level exams

Closed Government University of Malta Jan. 2017

32 Child with disability is informed about the beginning of school but only one day before, she is updated that an LSA will not be provided

Closed Government Attard Primary School

Feb. 2017

33 LSA refuses to apply cream to student with disability following change of nappy

Closed Government Hellen Keller Resource Centre

Feb. 2017



34 Resource Centre staff members refuse to heat Bovril for student

Closed Government Maria Regina College Wardija Resource Centre

March 2017

35 MUT directive states that LSAs should not accompany students with disability when using the school’s van

Closed Government Helen Keller Resource Centre

March 2017

36 Request for person with disability not to attend school

Closed Government Tal-Ħandaq Secondary School

Oct. 2016

37 Student with disability who has Dyslexia and ADD is not given a LSA

Closed Church Directorate for Educational Services

March 2017

38 Student with disability is not allowed to attend a school outing by the head of school because she is not fit enough to attend

Closed Government San Ġwann Primary School

Nov. 2016

39 The school does not accept to employ a new LSA after a LSA goes out on sick leave

Closed Church San Franġisk School, Saint Paul’s Bay

March 2017



40 Report from parents of student with disability due to LSA arrogance

Closed Government Marija Reġina College, Girls Secondary School, Mosta

Nov. 2016

41 Concerns from parents about the division of responsibility between teachers and LSA

Closed Government Saint Benedict College, Secondary School, Kirkop

March 2017

42 School refuses to remind an 8 year old student with disability to take medicine because of ADHD

Closed Government Foundation for Educational Services

Nov. 2016

43 Student with disability is requested to stop attending school two months before the other students

Closed Government Saint Margaret College, Verdala, Bormla

April 2017

44 Student with disability is sent home when the LSA is absent

Closed Government Saint Ignatius College, Primary School, Luqa

Nov. 2016

45 Lack of accommodation during exams Closed Public-Private

University of Malta Feb. 2017



46 Student with disability no longer attends school and stops receiving services

Closed Government Wardija Resource Centre

Nov. 2016

47 Student with disability is sent home when the LSA is absent

Closed Government Xagħra Primary School

April 2017

48 MUT directive does not allow student with disability to attend school when his LSA is absent

Closed Government Gozo College, Primary School, San Lawrenz

Dec. 2016

49 ‘Xjenza Mania 2017’ programme poster indicates that LSAs shall not be provided

Closed Public-Private

University of Malta April 2017

50 Request from parents of child with disability for another LSA

Closed Government Saint Ignatius College, Primary School, Luqa

Dec. 2016

51 LSA refuses to provide food to child with physical disability due to MUT directive


March 2017



52 Refusal of service because a child needs one-to-one LSA


April 2017

53 No provision of LSAs during courses Closed Government SportMalta April 201754 Parents of children with disability who

are not potty trained receive phone call from school every time they need a new nappy


April 2017

55 Student punches a person who attends the centre

Closed Government Wardija Resource Centre

May 2017

56 Foreign person with disability is refused from attending Skola Sajf


May 2017

57 Problems with LSA Closed Government Saint Ignatius College, Saint Sebastian Primary School, Qormi

June 2017



58 Request for information about transfer of student from Government School to Church school

Closed Church Saint Monica School, Birkirkara

June 2017

59 Request for home tutoring is not accepted because the person’s disability does not fall under the criteria


June 2017

60 The school refuses to allow student with disability to use the iPad to be used specifically for school


June 2017

61 MUT directive steers LSAs not to accompany students for therapy sessions in jacuzzi

Pending Government Helen Keller Resource Centre

June 2017

62 Student with disability is sent home when LSA is absent

Pending Government Ministry for the Education and Employment

June 2017

66 Student with disability refuses to attend school for various reasons

Closed Government Saint George Preca College, Ħamrun Primary School

July 2017



67 School vans are broken down and there are lack of vans to transport students including students with disability

Pending Government Ta’ Sannat Primary and Special Unit

July 2017

68 Person with disability is requested to attend the Educational Division office to apply for ECDL course

Closed Government Directorate for Lifelong Learning

July 2017

69 Request for advice for school transport

Closed Church Bishop’s Conservatory School

August 2017

70 Student with challenging behaviour is kept in a pushchair during break time

Closed Government San Ġwann Primary School

August 2017

71 Person with disability is not provided a LSA while in an educational institution


August 2017

72 No provision of nappy changing during after school’s programme


August 2017



aCCessibility – ComPlaints from PreVioUs years73 Lack of accessibility at VAT

Department in BirkirkaraPending Government VAT Department Oct. 2012

74 Lack of accessibility at Gżira Health Centre

Court/Case Government Health Division July 2001

75 Lack of accessibility at the Empire Cinema Complex in Buġibba

Court/Protest Private Empire Cinema Complex

March 2006

76 Lack of accessibility at Fgura Boys Museum

Pending Private Fgura Boys Museum

Jan. 2013

77 Lack of accessibility at the entrance of the outlet

Pending Private Candy Cafè Jan. 2014

78 Reserved parking sign is an obstacle to anyone leaving their car in same parking

Pending Government Transport Malta June 2016

79 Lack of accessibility inside the band club

Court/Case Private Saint Anthony Musical Society, Birkirkara

August 2003



80 Lack of accessibility to the church Pending Church Saint Francis Church, Valletta

Jan. 2009

81 No accessible pavement in De Piro Street leading to Isouard Street


Tas-Sliema Local Council

Jan. 2016

82 No accessible ramps in Mimosa Street, Gwardamanġa and need of reserved parking for persons with disability

Pending Local Councils

Ħamrun Local Councils

Jan. 2012

83 Lack of accessibility to church Pending Church Dingli Parish Church

Oct. 2014

84 Lack of accessibility in Triq Fort Binġemma


Rabat Local Council

Jan. 2016

85 Lack of accessibility including no accessible guest rooms in the hotel

Pending Private Riviera Hotel May 2004

86 Lack of accessibility at Gozo’s Cathedral

Pending Church Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Gozo

March 2007

87 Lack of accessibility in the establishment since the accessible sanitary facilities are used for storage

Pending Private Uncle Matt’s Kitchen

Feb. 2012



88 Lack of accessibility in bank branches Court/Protest Private Lombard Bank April 200989 Lack of accessibility in the restaurant’s

sanitary facilitiesPending Private Ristorant Irrera Jan. 2015

90 Lack of accessibility at Psychiatric Outreach Services

Pending Government Health Division Jan. 2011

91 Lack of accessibility in the Police Stations around Malta and Gozo

Pending Government Ministry for Home Affairs and National Security

March 2012

92 Lack of accessibility in the streets of various localities

Pending Government Transport Malta May 2005

93 Lack of accessibility at Europharma outlet

Court/Protest Private Michele Peresso Ltd

March 2009

94 Lack of accessible entrance at Tip Toes in Birkirkara

Court/Protest Private Sarex Ltd March 2014

95 Lack of accessibility in the elderly home

Pending Private Marina Palace Home

Jan. 2016

96 Lack of accessiblity at Eden Super Bowl

Pending Private Eden Leisure Group

Nov. 2004



97 Lack of accessibility in Social Security District Offices

Pending Government Social Security Department

Nov. 2005

98 Lack of accessibility in the Valletta outlet

Closed Private Marks and Spencer

March 2014

99 Lack of accessibility to church Pending Church Marija Bambina Basilica, Xagħra

March 2007

100 Lack of accessibility in Nadur square Closed Local Councils

Nadur Local Council

March 2015

101 Plant troughs obstruct accessibility on pavement in Zerafa Street


Marsa Local Council

Feb. 2015

102 Lack of accessibility in ATM outside Balluta bank branch and on pavement in front of same bank

Pending Private Bank of Valletta Jan. 2016

103 Lack of ramp in Balluta square from Manuel Dimech Street

Pending Local Council

San Ġiljan Local Council

Jan. 2016

104 Lack of accessibility in Turu Rizzo Street

Pending Local Council

Gżira Local Council Jan. 2013

105 Lack of accessibility to church Closed Church Manikata Parish Church

August 2006



106 Lack of accessibility in Cornucopia Hotel

Pending Private Cornucopia Hotel March 2014

107 Residence step obstruct accessibility of pavement in Mitħna ta’ Caraffa Street


Ħal Luqa Local Council

April 2015

108 Lack of accessibility in Triq l-Awstralja, Triq Berquq and Triq Franġisku


Naxxar Local Council

Feb. 2011

109 Sleeping police in Saint Joseph Street limits accessibility for residents with disability


Senglea Local Council

April 2015

110 Lack of accessibility on pavements in Independence Avenue


Żurrieq Local Counci

Jan. 2016

111 Lack of accessibility to Mdina Belvedere

Pending Government Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects

Oct. 2015

112 The platform lift in the building does not accommodate battery operated wheechair

Closed Government Dar l-Ewropa March 2013



113 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Saint Rita Street, Rabat in view of parked cars and no ramps at the end of pavement


Rabat Local Council

April 2015

114 Lack of accessible entrance in the building

Pending Govrnment LESA Jan. 2016

115 Lack of accessibility at the place of entertainment

Pending Private Funland Feb. 2011

116 Lack of accessibility to the outlet Pending Private Blue Elephant March 2014

117 Lack of accessible entrance in the pharmacy

Pending Private O’hea Pharmacy, Gżira

Feburary 2016

118 Lack of accessibility in the restaurant Pending Private Ta’ Pawlu Restaurant, Gozo

Nov. 2007

119 Lack of accessibility in the church Pending Church Basilica of Our Lady of Portu Salvu and Saint Domnic, Valletta

April 2012



120 Lack of accessible entrance in the cafeteria

Closed Private Busy Bee, Msida Jan. 2016

121 Lack of accessible entrance in the restaurant

Closed Private Barracuda Restaurant, Saint Julian’s

Jan. 2016

122 Lack of accessibility at Victor Tedesco Stadium

Pending Private Ħamrun Sports Complex

Nov. 2010

123 Access to the sea from Exiles Pending Local Councils


April 2015

124 Lack of accessibility in public toilets Pending Local Councils

Senglea Local Council

March 2016

125 Lack of accessibility at the cafeteria entrance

Pending Private Da Roberto, San Ġwann

Jan. 2016

126 Bus stop is not accessible Pending Local Councils

Paola Local Council

Feb. 2016

127 Lack of accessibility in the church Pending Church Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church, Paola

April 2012



128 Lack of accessibility in the band club Pending Private La Stella Philharmonic Society, Victoria

May 2015

129 Lack of accessibility in the band club Pending Private Leone Philharmonic Society, Victoria

May 2015

130 Lack of accessible ATM at Żurrieq branch

Pending Private Bank of Valletta April 2014

131 Establishments owners obstruct public path with tables and chairs on the pavement

Pending Government Planning Authority May 2015

132 Lack of accessibility in Basilica and Redeemer Oratory in Senglea

Pending Church Marija Bambina Basilica, Senglea

March 2012

133 Lack of accessible sanitary facilities in the hotel

Closed Private Westin Dragonara March 2016

134 Lack of accessibility in the school Closed Government Maria Regina College, Middle School, Naxxar

May 2015



135 Lack of accessibility in Xewkija’s health centre

Pending Government Health Division May 2014

136 No lift to provide access in the building

Pending Government Slaughter House, Marsa

June 2013

137 Lack of accessible entrance at the outlets

Closed Private Pitrè July 2015

138 Lack of accessibility in school Pending Government Saint Benedict College, Primary School, Kirkop

July 2015

139 Not accessible entrance in the pharmacy

Court/Protest Private Promenade Pharmacy, Buġibba

Sep. 2012

140 Lack of accessibility in the shop’s entrance

Closed Private Harry’s Convenience Shop, Birkirkara

Sep. 2013

141 Lack of accessibility inside Verdi Court in Santa Venera

Pending Private Bilom Group Sep. 2015

142 Lack of accessibility at Gozo’s Passport Office

Closed Government Passport Office, Gozo

Oct. 2013



143 Establishment owners obstruct public path in Marsalforn with tables and chairs on pavement

Pending Government Ministry for Gozo Sep. 2015

144 Lack of accessibility at the outlet’s entrance

Closed Private Clobber Casual Wear

June 2013

145 Lack of accessibility in the pharmacy’s entrance

Court/Protest Private Saint Simon Pharmacy, Buġibba

Sep. 2012

146 Lack of access to pool area Closed Private Malta National Aquarium

Nov. 2013

147 Urge for lift to provide access from Parliament to upper level of Parliament known as Saint James


Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation, Chamber of Deputies

Oct. 2013

148 Lack of accessibility from reception to pool area in the hotel

Pending Private Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa Hotel, Attard

Oct. 2013



149 Lack of accessibility at GO’s offices in Gozo

Pending Private GO Oct. 2013

150 No accessible pavement in front of elderly home



April 2013

151 Lack of accessibility in discotheque Court/Protest Private Sky Club Sep. 2009152 Lack of accessibility at the pharmacy’s

entranceClosed Private Santa Marija

Pharmacy, DingliMay 2015

153 Lack of accessibility at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali

Court/Case Private Malta Football Association

August 2011

154 Lack of accessible public toilets in Dwejra

Pending Government Ministry for Gozo June 2015

155 Lack of accessibility at the Commission for the Refugees offices

Pending Government Commission for the Refugees offices

August 2014

156 Lack of accessibility at the National Museum of Natural History at Mdina

Pending Public-Private

Heritage Malta August 2014

157 Lace of accessible entrance in one part of school

Pending Government Maria Regina College, Primary School B, Mosta

August 2014



158 Lack of accessibility on bus stops close to Saint Vincent de Paule residence

Pending Government Transport Authority June 2015

159 Lack of accessibility in Gozo’s Court Pending Government Ministry for Gozo Oct. 2014160 Lack of accessibility at the pharmacy’s

entranceClosed Private Santa Katerina

Pharmacy, AttardMay 2015

161 Lack of accessibility on new pavements in Fra Duminku Mifsud Street


Għargħur Local Council

March 2016

162 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Triq il-Qadi


Żejtun Local Council

April 2014

163 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Marku Falzon Street, corner with Naxxar Road, Birkirkara caused by an electricity pole


Enemalta March 2016

164 Lack of accessibility in Saint Francis Street


Ħal Qormi Local Council

May 2013

165 Lack of accessibility at the restaurant’s entrance

Closed Private Leonardo Genius May 2015



166 Lack of accessibility in Triq ir-Ramel Pending Local Councils


Oct. 2011

167 Request from person with disability to lower the pavement’s level in front of Keep Clear Bay



May 2015


Court/Protest Private Tex Mex Bar & Grill, Tas-Sliema

March 2016

169 Placing of an obstacle in front of the block of apartments entrance

Closed Private Private March 2016

170 Broken pavement in Saint Paul’s Street



May 2014

171 Zebra crossing in Sanctuary Street without ramps on both sides


Żabbar Local Council

June 2015

172 Lack of accessibility in school Pending Government Saint George Preca College, Secondary School, Blata l-Bajda

April 2016



173 Lack of accessible sanitary facilities in the Stadium

Pending Private Hibernians Stadium

April 2016

174 Ramps in front of garages in Triq is-Soll are dangerous to be used


Santa Venera Local Council

July 2015

175 Pavements are not accessible due to their width and installation of feast poles


Rabat Local Council

April 2016

176 Lack of accessibility in Karmenu Mifsud Street


Tal-Pietà Local Council

Oct. 2011

177 Vegetable shop obstructs pavement with crates


Birkirkara Local Council

April 2016

178 Tree obstructs pavement in Tas-Sliema Road, Kappara


San Ġwann Local Council

July 2015

179 Lack of accessible pavements in Ħal Far near Playmobil factory


Malta Industrial Parks Ltd

April 2016



180 Lack of accessibility in the Engineering building at the University in view that the lift reaches only the first level

Pending Government University of Malta April 2016

181 Lack of accessibility at the shop’s entrance

Closed Private Gary’s Gift Shop July 2013

182 Lack of accessibility on pavement near Mdina’s entrance

Pendng Local Councils

Mdina Local Council

June 2014

183 Request from Deaf People’s Association for new building that is accessible for all

Closed Government Government Property Division

April 2016

184 Lack of accessibility at Menqa Pending Local Councils


August 2012

185 Pavement near National Aquarium is not accessible



August 2013

186 Lack of accessible sanitary facilities in view of steps

Pending Private Manoel Theatre Oct. 2015




Closed Private The Outlet May 2016

188 Removal of reserved parking for persons with disability in Marsalforn


Żebbuġ Local Council

July 2014

189 Lack of accessibility to church Pending Church Ta’ Sannat Parish Church

August 2015

190 Lack of accessibility at the shop’s entrance in Marsascala

Pending Private The Convenience Shop

May 2016

191 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Tower Street in view of its height



May 2016

192 Lack of accessibility at the church’s entrance

Pending Church Tas-Samra Church, Ħamrun

Sep. 2015

193 Lack of accessible entrance to the gym in view of steps

Pending Private The Gym, Żurrieq May 2016

194 Lack of accessibility in New York Best outlets

Pending Private New York Best May 2016

195 Lack of accessibility at the Local Council’s entrance



Sep. 2015



196 Lack of accessibility in new shop Pending Private Aldo, Victoria May 2016197 Lack of accessibility in new shop Pending Private Tip Toes, Victoria May 2016198 Lack of accessibility at the Local

Council’s entranceClosed Local

CouncilsValletta Local Council

Sep. 2015

199 Lack of accessibility in the restaurant Closed Private Pizza Hut, Buġibba Sep. 2015200 Request from person with disability for

the inclusion of ramp from reserved parking to her private residence


San Ġwann Local Council

May 2016

201 Lack of accessibility inside Addolorata Cemetery due to lack of ramps, handrails and inadequate paths


202 No accessible ramp near Mosta cemetery’s chapel


203 Lack of accessibility in streets and pavements due to improper parking


Valletta Local Council

Sep. 2015

204 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Manoel De Vilhena Street


Gżira Local Council May 2016



205 Lack of accessibility in Xlendi in view of tables and chairs near the shoreline


Munxar Local Council

Sep. 2015

206 Street near the accessible entrance of the parish church is dangerous in view of heavy vehicles


Kerċem Local Council

May 2016

207 Lack of accessibility in Ta’ Xbiex Belvedere


Oct. 2015

208 Window for a person to be able to follow what is going on in the Court room is not at an accessible level for all

Closed Government Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government

June 2016

209 Lack of accessible sanitary facilities Closed Private Costa Del Sol July 2014210 Lack of accessible entrance to

new Crosscraft shop inside Pama Shopping Village

Pending Private Crosscraft (Pama) June 2016



211 Lack of accessibility in Savina Square Closed Local Councils

Victoria Local Council

Oct. 2015

212 Lack of accessible sanitary facilities, and tables obstruct accessibility on pavement

Closed Private McDonald’s, Buġibba

June 2016

213 Lack of accessibility at Iklin’s outlet Closed Private Tal-Lira Jumbo Store

July 2014

214 Lack of accessibility at Upper Barrakka where cannons are fired

Closed Private Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna

Oct. 2015

215 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Saint Anthony’s Street



June 2016

216 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Triq l-Imrabat


Saint Julian’s Local Council

Nov. 2013

217 Lack of accessibility in shop’s entrance

Closed Private Fashion and Bags, Victoria

June 2016

218 Lack of accessibility on pavement as it is obstructed


Mtarfa Local Council

August 2014



219 Lack of accessibility on pavement in front of Catholic Institute

Pending Local Concils

Floriana Local Council

June 2016

220 Lack of accessibility in the food establishment

Pending Private Butterfly Diner, Birkirkara

Oct. 2015

221 Accessibility to Mrieħel bridge Closed Government Transport Authority June 2016222 Lack of accessibility in the vicinity of

Żejtun Parish ChurchPending Church Żejtun Parish

ChurchNov. 2015

223 Lack of accessibility on pavements inside Gozo General Hospital

Closed Government Gozo General Hospital

June 2016


Pending Private KFC, Gżira July 2016

225 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Mosta as there is a pole in the middle

Pending Government Transport Authority Sep. 2013


Closed Private La Tartine, Mosta Nov. 2015

227 Lack of accessibility at the entrance in view of high step and the complex’s lift is too small

Court/Protest Private Energy Complex, Valletta

Nov. 2015



228 Two zebra crossings in Triq il-Qaliet are painted on sleeping police and dangerous to persons with visual and mobility impairments


Marsascala Local Council

July 2016

229 Lack of accessible sanitary facilities on Gozo Channel ferries


Gozo Channel Co. Ltd

June 2016

230 Lack of accessibility on pavements in Anton Aquilina Street in Ħaż-Żebbuġ

Closed Government Transport Authority June 2016

231 Lack of accessibility including no accessible sanitary facilities

Pending Private Palazzo Promontorio

July 2016

232 Lack of accessible sanitary facilities in the hotel

Closed Private Qawra Palace Hotel

Dec. 2015

233 Lack of accessibility in the establishment

Pending Private Pearl Beach, Tas-Sliema

July 2016

234 Lack of accessibility in the outlet Closed Private Zen Sushi to Go (Pama)

Dec. 2015

235 Lack of accessibility near Valletta pitch



Dec. 2015



236 Lack of accessibility at the edge of pavement near The Point in view of dangerous ramp



July 2016

237 Lack of accessibility in front of Il-Fanal, Marsascala in view of steep ramp



Sep. 2014

238 Lack of accessibility in the outlet Closed Private Zen Sushi to Go (Skyparks)

Dec. 2015

239 Lack of accessibility on pavement in view of poles’ holes in the middle


Vittoriosa Local Council

July 2016

240 Accessibility in Cittadella Pending Government Ministry for Gozo July 2016241 Lack of accessibility in Saint

Bartholomeo StreetPending Local

CouncilsQormi Local Council

Oct. 2014

242 Bus stop sign and other signs are installed in the middle of pavement

Closed Government Malta Public Transport

July 2016

243 Path and new public convenience in Ħondoq ir-Rummien Bay are not accessible

Closed Government Ministry for Gozo July 2016



244 Pavement’s height is not accessible and same pavement is obstructed with garbage bags near TCTC premises. Moreover, TCTC’s entrance is not accessible



July 2016

245 Lack of accessibility at new Birżebbuġa football ground

Pending Government Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure

July 2017

246 Lack of accessibility on pavement caused by shop owner who puts clothes and other stuff for sale on same pavement

Closed Private Linen & Co, Saint Paul’s Bay

July 2016

247 Lack of accessibility at the Arts Council premises


Malta Arts Council July 2016

248 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Pope Urban Street



July 2016

249 Pavement is blocked by improperly parked cars in Saint Joseph High Road



July 2016



250 Lack of accessibility to private property caused by improperly parked cars



August 2016

251 Lack of accessibility on pavement caused by chairs, tables and plants outside the restaurant

Closed Private Ristorant Il Veliero, Saint Julian’s

August 2016

252 Lack of accessible public convenience in Ta’ Dbiegi, Gozo

Pending Government Malta Industrial Parks

July 2016

253 Lack of accessibility on pavement caused by chairs and tables left on Xlendi pavements

Pending Government Ministry for Gozo August 2016

254 Lack of accessibility at the pharmacy’s entrance because of steps

Closed Private Vittoriosa Pharmacy, Vittoriosa

August 2016

255 Lack of accessibility in the Centre’s sanitary facilities

Pending Government Lunzjata Education, Science and Culture Centre, Gozo

August 2016



256 Urge for the maintenance on ramp that provides access to Rotunda

Pending Church Mosta Parish Church

August 2016

257 Lack of accessibility at Identity Malta’s offices within Evans Building

Pending Government Identity Malta August 2016

258 Electricity pole obstructs pavement in Qawra

Closed Private GO August 2016

259 Electricity pole obstructs pavement near Bus stop in Saint Joseph High Road, Ħamrun

Pending Government Building Regulations Office

August 2016

260 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Triq it-Turisti, Qawra near home for the elderly, and urge for Keep Clear Bay and reserved parking for the ambulance in front of same home



August 2016

261 Lidl counters’ height levels are not accessible for all

Pending Private Lidl July 2016

262 Lack of accessibility to the entrance and sanitary facilities of the restaurant

Pending Private El Catalan, Xgħajra Sep. 2016



263 Lack of accessibility in the museum because there is no lift

Pending Private Wignacourt Museum, Rabat

Sep. 2016

264 Lack of accessible entrance at the restaurant. Moreover, the accessible sanitary facilities are located upstairs even though there is ample space for them on ground floor

Pending Private Ta’ Marija Restaurant, Mosta

Sep. 2016

265 Lack of accessibility in the wedding hall

Pending Private Torre Paulina, Swieqi

Sep. 2016

266 Lack of accessible entrance in view of two steps

Pending Private Bernards Real Estate, Tas-Sliema

Sep. 2016

267 Lack of accessible entrance in the supermarket

Pending Private V&F Supermarket, Tas-Sliema

Sep. 2016

268 Lack of accessible entrance at the restaurant in view of steps

Pending Private Amigos, Tas-Sliema

Sep. 2016

269 Lack of accessibility for peripheral clinics and health centres

Pending Government Health Division August 2006



270 Lack of accessibility in different areas of the locality due to poor state of Triq Tax-Xtut, Triq il-Melħ, Triq il-Qala and Triq il-Boxxla



August 2016

271 Lack of accessibility in the three entrances of the cafeteria and in the sanitary facilities

Pending Private Costa Coffee, Marsaxlokk

August 2016

272 New Kirkop football ground is not accessible for all

Pending Private Kirkop Football Club

Sep. 2016

273 The boat which transports people to Valletta has a ramp with a split level of approximately 4 inches and in fact a wheelchair user has to be lifted to access/exit the boat

Closed Government Transport Authority Sep. 2016

274 Obstructed access for persons with disability to enter a shop in Triq id-Difiża Ċivili


Mosta Local Council

April 2016

275 Lack of accessible entrance in the outlet

Closed Private Chilli’s Indian Restaurant, Qawra

Nov. 2014



276 Lack of accessibility in the outlet’s entrance

Pending Private Roseberry, Valletta Nov. 2014

277 Lack of accessible sanitary facilities in the restaurant

Pending Private Fratelli La Bufala, Tas-Sliema

Nov. 2014

278 Lack of accessibility in the school Pending Government Għaxaq Primary School

Dec. 2014

279 Lack of accessibility in the school Court/Protest Private Saint Edward College

April 2014

280 Lack of reseved parking sign Closed Local Councils

Kalkara Local Council

June 2016

aCCessibility – new ComPlaints281 Lack of accessibility in the outlet’s

entrancePending Private Brass & Knuckle,

NaxxarJan. 2017

282 Access to the pavement in Mattia Preti Street is obstructed by boat


Victoria Local Councils

Jan. 2017



283 The EU Special Procedures Section within the Customs Department was transferred to upper floors and only accessible through the stairs

Pending Government Customs Department

Jan. 2017

284 Lack of accessibility on various pavements



Jan. 2017

285 Lack of accessibility on pavement caused by shop tent

Closed Private I Love London Café

Jan. 2017

286 Lack of accessibility due to poles in the middle of the pavement


Paola Local Council

Jan. 2017

287 Lack of accessible entrance in the pharmacy

Closed Private Mensija Pharmacy Jan. 2017

288 Lack of accessible pavement caused by cafeteria’s chairs and tables

Closed Private Café Sicilia Jan. 2017

289 Lack of accessibility in the outlet’s entrance

Closed Private BookBites Café Jan. 2017

290 Lack of accessibility caused by poles in the middle of the pavement in Tower Street, Swatar

Closed Private GO Jan. 2017



291 Lack of accessibility on zebra crossing in Triq ix-Xatt



Jan. 2017

292 Lack of accessible pavements caused by obstructions in Isouard Street


Mosta Local Council

Jan. 2017

293 Lack of accessibility in the hotel including no accessible sanitary facilities

Pending Private Hotel ta’ Ċenċ & Spa

March 2017

294 Victoria’s market is transferred from Pjazza tat-Tokk to Pjazza Savina and as a result, the reserved parking for persons with disability cannot be used


Victoria Local Councils

August 2017

295 No accessibility to the hotel’s basement parking in view of step leading to the lift

Pending Private Grand Hotel, Mġarr March 2017

296 Lack of accessibility at the Malta National Library

Pending Government Malta National Library

March 2017

297 Lack of accessibility at the Commission for Voluntary Organisations’ premises

Pending Government MEDE, MHAS and MFSS

March 2017



298 No accessible pavements because of the feast decorations


Ħaż-Żebbuġ Local Council

April 2017

299 Request for handrail along stairs in Triq il-Gendus


Cospicua Local Council

April 2017

300 Lack of accessibility in Balluta Bay’s public convenience



April 2017

301 Lack of accessible entrance in the hotel

Pending Private Euroclub Hotel May 2017

302 Lack of accessibility in the day centre within Saint Vincent de Paule

Closed Government Saint Vincent de Paule

May 2017

303 Removal of ramp located from near Marsascala waterpolo pitch



May 2017

304 Lack of accessibility from Roseville residence to San Anton Gardens because of the poor state of the pavement


Attard Local Council

March 2017

305 Lack of accessibility in school Pending Government ALP, Vocational Creative Centre, Paola

May 2017



306 Lack of accessibility in Floriana subway near Bieb il-Bombi


May 2017

307 Lack of accessibility to the Child Development Assessment Unit (CDAU)

Pending Government CDAU May 2017

308 Lack of accessibility at Tas-Sliema McDonald’s because the lift is out of order

Closed Private McDonald’s May 2017

309 Request for an accessible wooden path to Għar l-Aħmar bay


Marsaxlokk Local Council

May 2017

310 Lack of accessibility caused by GO box and the pavement width

Closed Private GO June 2017

311 Lack of accessiblity on pavement in Joe Gasan Street caused by two garages ramps


Ħamrun Local Council

June 2017



312 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Diodorus Siculus Street caused by obstruction



June 2017


Pending Private Emma’s Kitchen, San Ġwann

June 2017

314 No accessible pavements in Triq il-Kultellazz, Mosta


Mosta Local Council

July 2017

315 Lack of accessible entrance in the restaurant

Pending Private Surf N Turf, Buġibba

July 2017

316 Lack of accessibility at Local Council’s premises


Mosta Local Council

July 2017

317 Lack of accessibility at Qui Si Sana bay



July 2017

318 Lack of accessibility on pavement caused by bus stop pole in front of Għadira bay

Pending Government Malta Public Transport

July 2017

319 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Triq is-Sedqa


Attard Local Council

July 2017



320 Lack of accessibility at Mental Health Centre in Floriana

Pending Government Ministry for Health July 2017

321 Lack of accessibility to ramp because of improper parking



July 2017

322 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Triq il-Midbaħ


Mosta Local Council

July 2017

323 Lack of accessibility at Tal-Qroqq National Pool in Tal-Qroqq due to lack of handrail

Pending Government National Pool Complex

July 2017

324 Lack of accessibility in basement level at Auberge de Castille

Pending Government Prime Minister’s Office

July 2017

325 Lack of accessible entrance at the Ministry for Gozo

Pending Government Ministry for Gozo March 2017

326 Lack of accessible entrance and accessible sanitary facilities at the restaurant, and pavement in front of same restaurant is obstructed by tables

Pending Private Edesia Restaurant, Birżebbuġa

July 2017



327 Lack of accessibility to Balluta bay Pending Government Tourism Authority August 2017

328 Establishments owners obstruct public path with tables and chairs on pavement in Saint Francis Square, Victoria

Pending Government Tourism Authority August 2017

329 Request for cooperation from Valletta Local Council to find remedy for the lack of accessibility caused by an Enemalta box. Moreover, the pavement’s width in Triq il-Biċċerija is not accessible


Enemalta August 2017

330 Demand for evacuation chair in the school

Pending Government Saint Benedict College, Secondary Schol, Kirkop

August 2017

331 Lack of accessible entrance and accessible sanitary facilities are used as store in the restaurant

Pending Private The Brew, Tas-Sliema

March 2017



332 Lack of accessibility at the School of Art in Valletta

Pending Government Malta School of Art August 2017

333 Zebra Crossing is not painted and without ramps on both sides in Valletta Road, Mosta

Pending Government Transport Authority August 2017

334 Lack of accessibility on zebra crossings in 21st Sep. Avenue



June 2017

335 Lack of accessible sanitary facilities in new food outlet

Pending Private Lovage Bistro Sep. 2017

336 Lack of accessibility at the National Statistics Office

Pending Government National Statistics Office

August 2017

337 Lack of accessibility at Jobsplus office in Mosta

Pending Government Jobsplus Sep. 2017

338 Lack of accessibility at Velocity Trampoline Park

Pending Private Velocity Trampoline Park

Sep. 2017

339 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Savina Square



Sep. 2017

340 Request for hoist in Junior College Pending Government University of Malta Sep. 2017



341 Lack of accessible entrance at the outlet because the ramp has no handrail

Pending Private B&M Supplies Sep. 2017

342 Lack of accessibility in Saint Monica Street caused by the poor state of street

Pending Government Transport Authority Sep. 2017

343 Lack of accessibility in the hall including lack of parking for persons with disability

Pending Private Xara Lodge Sep. 2017

344 Urge for Keep Clear Bay near Għadira bay


Mellieħa Local Council

Sep. 2017

345 Lack of accessibility on pavement caused by concrete ramp



Oct. 2016

346 Installation of electricity pole on narrow pavement


Enemalta Oct. 2016

347 Lack of accessibility in the College Pending Private Stella Maris College

Oct. 2016

348 Lack of accessibility caused by pole in front of private residence


Kirkop Local Council

Oct. 2016



349 Lack of accessibile entrance in new shop

Pending Private The Convenience Shop, Żejtun

Oct. 2016

350 Lack of accessibility due to electricity pole in the middle of pavement in Tower Street, Swatar


Enemalta Oct. 2016

351 Installation of Local Council and Police sign posts on parking for persons with disability


Vittoriosa Local Council

Oct. 2016

352 Lack of accessibility in San Anton Gardens

Pending Government Malta Embellishment and Landscaping Project

Oct. 2016

353 Lack of accessibility in road at Valletta shore


Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation

Oct. 2016

354 Lack of accessibility at Local Council’s premises


Gudja Local Council

Nov. 2016

355 Lack of corner ramp in Naxxar Pending Local Councils

Mosta Local Council

Nov. 2016



356 Lack of accessibility at the University of Malta

Pending Government University of Malta Oct. 2016

357 Lack of accessible entrance in the cafeteria

Pending Private Cafe Santa Lucia, Attard

Nov. 2016

358 Lack of accessibility at the Chamber of Advocates’ first floor


Chamber of Advocates

Nov. 2016

359 Lack of accessible rooms in the hotel Pending Private Qawra Palace Hotel

Nov. 2016

360 Lack of accessibility caused by GO box which obstructs pavement in Gozo

Closed Private GO Nov. 2016

361 Lack of accessibility in public convenience at Upper Barrakk

Closed Government Cleaning Directorate

Dec. 2016

362 Lack of accessible in the new shop’s entrance

Closed Private Distorted Clothing Shop, Mosta

Dec. 2016

363 Lack of accessibility on pavement in Saint Francis Street



Dec. 2016



364 Lack of accessibility to Blue Grotto’s view from the top


Nov. 2016

365 Lack of accessibility in the church Pending Church Saint Catherine of Italy Church, Valletta

Dec. 2016

366 Refused access to Mdina during Medieval Mdina


Mdina Local Council

May 2017

367 Bus stop blocks garage access and thus creates problem for person with mobility impairment

Closed Government Transport Malta June 2017

gooDs, faCilities anD serViCes – ComPlaints from PreVioUs years368 Hand controls are not offered with

rental carsClosed Private Rent-A-Car

Association June 2006

369 Hand controls are not offered with rental cars

Court/Protest Private Travel Smart Ltd Dec. 2009



370 Demand for more security measure for persons with disability on taxis

Closed Government Transport Malta March 2016

371 Complaint about a dangerous reserved parking for persons with disability located too close to the shore

Closed Government Transport Malta April 2016

372 Complicated procedure for persons with visual impairment to change their phone banking pin

Closed Private Bank of Valletta May 2016

373 Intranet is not accessible Pending Private GO March 2013

374 CDAU service is offered once a fortnight and not once a week as previously done

Closed Government CDAU July 2016

375 Termination of job in a shelted employment

Closed Government Jobsplus/Lino Spiteri Foundation

July 2016

376 Removal of two reserved parkings near the tourist office in Marsaxlokk



July 2016



377 Demand for powered wheelchair at Saint Vincent de Paule Residence

Closed Government Saint Vincent de Paule Residence

July 2016

378 Skip is left on reseved parking for persons with disability

Closed Local Cuncils

Xagħra Local Council

August 2016

379 Skip is left on reserved parking for persons with disability


Għarb Local Council

August 2016

380 Request for double yellow lines near ramp in view of parked cars in the area


Saint Paul’s Bay Local Cuncil

August 2016

381 Public Transport driver requests person with disability to exit the bus onto the street and not onto the pavement


August 2016

382 Persons with disability complain about the refusal of scheme which facilitates payments

Closed Private Scan Malta Sep. 2016

383 Persons with disability complain about the refusal of scheme which facilitates payments

Closed Private Klikk Computers Sep. 2016



384 Children with incontinence refused from taking swimming lessons

Closed Private Hilltop Gardens Sep. 2016

385 Removal of sign posts that indicate reserved parking for persons with disability in Tas-Sliema

Pending Government Transport Malta Sep. 2016

386 Relocation of reserved parking for persons with disability

Closed Government Transport Malta Sep. 2016

387 Reserved parking for persons with disability needs paint refreshing



June 2016

388 Large wheelchair accessible vans refused from scheme

Pending Government WasteServ Malta Ltd

Sep. 2016

389 Reserved parking for persons with disability in Triq l-Ispiera is relocated to another place that is not suitable for person with disability


Swieqi Local Council

May 2016

390 Removal of reserved parking for persons with disability in front of Calypso Hotel, Marsalforn

Pending Government Transport Malta July 2016



391 Reserved parking bays at Malta Air Traffic Service parking being used by non-Blue Badge holders

Closed Government Malta Air Traffic Service

July 2016

392 Removal of Keep Clear 1.5m Bay near reserved parking

Closed Government Transport Malta April 2016

393 Demand for reserved parking for persons with disability in front of Żejtun Primary School


Żejtun Local Council

May 2016

394 Excessive speeding during transportation of persons with disability

Closed Private Coop Services May 2016

395 Swing for wheelchair users is locked with padlock at Ta’ Qali park

Closed Government Ministry for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change

May 2016

396 Stand with glasses obstruct parking for persons with disability

Closed Private Smart Point April 2016



397 Lack of reserved parking for persons with disability in Dawret il-Qalb Imqaddsa, Birżebbuġa

Closed Government Transport Malta May 2016

398 Issue of contraventions even though there has been no laws violations

Closed Government LESA May 2016

399 Exiles ramp is obstructed by skip Closed Local Councils


May 2016

400 Additional reserved parking for persons with disability are required near Saint Thomas More College, Primary School, Fgura

Closed Government Transport Malta Oct. 2015

401 MPT mobile application is not accessible

Pending Government Malta Public Transport

June 2016

402 Voice announcements are not used during public transport


Oct. 2015

403 Person with disability is assigned a job coach without request for such service

Closed Government Malta Association for Supported Employment

June 2016



404 Improper treatment on person with disability by MASE employee


Oct. 2015

405 Demand for reserved parking in front of OK Medical, Birkirkara

Pending Government Transport Malta May 2016

406 Request for bills printed in larger font Closed Private Melita Oct. 2015407 Person with disability who attends

sapport centre and resident at Mount Carmel experiences injustice that affects her mental health

Closed Government Mount Carmel Hospital

June 2016



Oct. 2015



Oct. 2015



410 Person with disability refused from returning to Kenn għal Saħħtek Programme following recovery in Mount Carmel

Closed Government Kenn għal Saħħtek August 2016

411 Guide dog is taken from person with visual impairment

Pending Private Malta Guide Dog Association

Oct. 2015

412 Vehicles without Blue Badge on reserved parking for persons with disability

Closed Government Gozo Channel Co. Ltd

Sep. 2016

413 Parked cars obstruct the access to persons with disability’s property following the removal of bollards



Nov. 2015

414 Machine provides audio instructions only and thus not accessile for deaf persons

Pending Private MIA Sep. 2016

415 Reserved parking is given to someone who does not need it


Xgħajra Local Council

Sep. 2016





Dec. 2015

417 Complaint about parking that is possibly not authorised

Closed Government Transport Malta August 2016

418 Complaint about person with disability’s pension

Closed Government Department for Social Security

Feb. 2015

419 Request for citizenship Closed Government Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government

Jan. 2012

420 Complaint about person with disability’s pension


Jan. 2014

421 Disputes between person with disability’s siblings about his residence

Closed Private Private Feb. 2015

422 Removal of reserved parking for persons with disability

Closed Government Transport Malta Jan. 2016



423 Disagreement between person with disability’s siblings about her residence

Closed Government Sapport Agency March 2015

424 Abuse of reserved parking for persons with disability


425 Complaint about the procedure for a person to apply for the Department of Social Security services


March 2014

426 Abuse of reserved parking bays for persons with disability

Closed Government Malta Police May 2013

427 Car is parked for long time on reserved parking for persons with disability

Closed Government Malta Police Sep. 2012

428 Complaint about reserved parking for persons with disability in Triq il-Garzella, Mellieħa

Closed Government Transport Malta July 2013

429 Request for two parking bays to be converted to reserved parking for persons with disability





Closed Government Transport Malta July 2013


Closed Government Malta Police Oct. 2013



433 Abuse of reserved parking bays for persons with disability in Saint Paul’s Bay


434 Abuse of reserved parking for persons with diability in Tourists Street, Saint Paul’s Bay

Closed Government Malta Police June 2012

435 Person feels discriminated because she did not receive the entrustment of her son

Pending Government Appoġġ Agency August 2014

436 Abuse of reserved parking for persons with disability in Rabat

Closed Government Malta Police August 2014



gooDs, faCilities & serViCes – new ComPlaints437 Removal of reserved parking in front

of the Education Department in view of works close by

Closed Government Transport Malta Jan. 2017

438 Request for reserved parking for teacher with disability in the college

Closed Government Saint Clare College, Primary School, Saint Julian’s

Jan. 2017

439 Person with guide dog is not given access to flight


Airmalta Feb. 2017

440 Dar Nazareth insists for the dismissal of a resident because her siblings did not sign the contract

Closed Church Dar Nazareth Feb. 2017

441 Access not given to person with guide dog

Closed Private Vecchia Napoli March 2017


Closed Private Beer Kitchen March 2017



443 Shutters are manoeuvred erratically and as a result there are safety and health concerns for persons with disability

Closed Private Uskin Ltd March 2017

444 Removal of reserved parking in Saint George’s Street, Saint Paul’s Bay

Pending Private GO April 2017

445 Complaint from resident’s parent about various aspects of the service offered in the home

Pending Private Dar Pirotta May 2017

446 Removal of reserved parking bays, with two out of five located behind a gate and not accessible to the public

Pending Private Homemate May 2017


Pending Private Cafe Royal May 2017

448 Reserved parking for persons with disability needs to be repainted


Saint Paul’s Bay May 2017

449 Person with visual impairment is not given the required tools to vote independently in the election

Closed Government Electoral Commission

June 2017



450 Reserved parking near the National Aquarium was removed but not re-done

Closed Government Transport Malta June 2017

451 Urge for refreshing of reserved parking for persons with disability


Qormi Local Council

July 2017

452 Billboard obstructs pavement Closed Government Planning Authority July 2017453 Nappies not of good quality Pending Government Department for the

ElderlyJuly 2017

454 Reserved parking bays are used by non-Blue Badge holders and smaller in size

Pending Private Floriana FC July 2017

455 Person with disability is left on the pavement because the bus ramp is out of order


July 2017

456 Public toilets are not accessible Pending Local Coucnils


July 2017

457 Removal of reserved parking sign post Pending Local Councils


August 2017



458 Supermarket trollies are not accessible

Pending Private Lidl Sep. 2017

459 Student with disability comes in late at school because the assistance is not given on time

Pending Private Health Mark Oct. 2016

460 Change in Andrew’s House management causes changes in routine and challenging behaviour in client


Sapport Agency Oct. 2016

461 Excurcions buses are not accessible while powered wheelchair cannot get onboard the cruise ship

Closed Private SMS Mondial Oct. 2016

462 Accessible females public convenience is kept closed



Oct. 2016

463 6m reserved parking is made smaller following Local Council’s work


Qormi Local Council

Oct. 2016

464 Waitress insults person who requested gluten-free food

Closed Private Caseficio La Maltesa

Nov. 2016



465 Person received a contravention even though he parked on a reserved parking with Blue Badge

Closed Government LESA Nov. 2016

466 Hotel residents using scooters and powered wheelchairs are requested to pay an extra €3 to cover risk damages to furniture and other property, and for charging apparatus.

Closed Private Qawra Palace Hotel

Nov. 2016

467 Pelican lights are out of order and inconvenient to persons with visual impairment

Pending Government Transport Malta Nov. 2016

468 Request for repainting of reserved parking


Ħamrun Local Council

Nov. 2006

469 Request for reserved parking near Naxxar cemetery



Dec. 2017

470 New system for the clients wishing to use sanitary facilities is not accessible for persons with visual impairment

Pending Private McDonald’s August 2017



aCCommoDation – ComPlaints from PreVioUs years471 Person with disability’s residence is

considered dangerousPending Private Private Feb. 2016

472 Request for new Government’s residence

Closed Government Housing Authority Oct. 2015

473 Lack of accessibility in the school’s residences for students

Court/Protest Private BELS Residence Dec. 2013

aCCommoDation – new ComPlaints474 Urge for lift in person with disability’s

residenceClosed Government Planning Authority June 2017

475 Two neighbours of a person with disability object to the installation of lift in a block

Closed Private Private June 2017

476 Demand for lift inside Housing Authority’s block

Closed Government Housing Authority Oct. 2016



477 A lift was installed in the block different from the one which was agreed to be installed

Closed Government Housing Authority July 2017

478 Lift inside block is out of order for a long time and some of the owners object for the installation of handrail along the stairs

Pending Private Private August 2017

479 Delays in the installation of a lift inside block that accommodates a person with disability’s residence


Enemalta August 2017

480 Lack of handrails on both sides of the stairs at block of apartment’s entrance

Pending Private Private August 2017

481 Balcony of a person with disability’s residence is condemned

Pending Government Housing Authority August 2017

482 Resident is not allowed to do apartment works that will make him live independently

Pending Private Private Sep. 2017



insUranCe – ComPlaints from PreVioUs years483 Person with disability is not allowed

to insure her car following an accident the previous year whereby it was decided that she had the accident’s fault

Closed Private Atlas Insurance Sep. 2016

insUranCe – new ComPlaints484 Complaint about life policy for

persons with disabilityClosed Private APS Bank April 2017

485 Person with disability is informed that she cannot be insured and if insured, she has to pay triple the amount

Pending Private APS Bank April 2017


Pending Private Banif Bank April 2017




Pending Private Bank of Valletta April 2017

488 Person with disability requests an insurance for special food on cruise liner

Pending Private Insurance agencies August 2017

health – ComPlaints from PreVioUs yearsNil

health – new ComPlaints489 Person with disability took her CPAP

Machine to the hospital for repairs but it was not returned to her

Closed Government Mater Dei Hospital Oct. 2016



table a

ComPUter sChools - PenDing

1 TCTC2 Euro Canadian Electronics3 Saint Martin’s Institute of IT4 Educational Support Services5 Saint Mark’s Institute6 Computer Advisory Services7 Learn Key Training Institute8 Trigold9 Malta Institute for Computer Studies10 Success Malta11 Key Training Services12 Learning & Development Centre13 IT IS Education Centre14 Information Technology Studies Centre15 Integrated Business Systems16 Hi-Tex Computer Centre

17 Horizon 2000 Computer Systems18 Exor Computer Training Centre19 Holistic Technologies20 Electronic Products21 Computer Domain Services22 Compex Computer Training Centre23 ExecuTrain24 Innovatec Training Institute25 Computime26 Quantum Solution27 St Thomas Computer Schools28 Future Focus

(Persons with Disability) (Chapter 413) - CRPDthis was the most sector in which CRPD received new...

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Transcript of (Persons with Disability) (Chapter 413) - CRPDthis was the most sector in which CRPD received new...