Last week together with Joseph and Michelle Muscat, we visited ‘id-Dar tal-Providenza’.
The experience was a unique one in that I could feel the warmth of all the people there - residents, employees, and volunteers alike. It was the first time I visited the premises and I was quite impressed. Our visit started with a mass which ended with the national anthem played by an autistic resident. We were told that this person never studied music but he is really talented.
Only last week on 2 April, the world marked the International Autism Awareness Day. As the Opposition Spokesperson for the disabled I issued a press release to stress on the importance of research and urged government to help autistic people especially children and their families. I also urged government to enact a guardianship act as soon as possible.
Another parent told me about his daughter who in addition to autism has other medical complications and they cannot afford medication. These parents are complaining about the lack of support and help and it should not be that way.
We have government preaching about dignity and inclusion and then at the same time we have all this hardship of people who are badly in need of help.
Autistic people are no children of a lesser God and they deserve all the support and help possible in a tangible and concrete way.
