In a national debate as part of the activities held during Deaf Awareness Week, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party called for inclusive policies with regard to deaf people.

Dr. Claire Azzopardi Lane, AD’s spokesperson for Disability and Sports, who participated in the Deaf Week 2012 debate, said: “The lack of access to communication is what hampers the lives of individuals within the Maltese Deaf community. In order to have access to communication Deaf people require adaptations, such as subtitles, sign language interpretation and access to technology.”

“Since Malta is still in the process of rectifying the United Nations Convention on Human Rights, Alternattiva Demokratika – The Green Party supports the introduction of measures that will enhance the equal opportunities of people in the Maltese Deaf Community. Such measures form part of AD’s electoral manifesto.”

Dr. Azzopardi Lane insisted on the importance of recognising Maltese sing language as an official language, increasing the number of local sign language interpreters and subsidizing technology that is required for communication purposes.

Michael Briguglio, AD Chairperson, said: ‘The rights of persons with disability are a top priority for the Green Party. Inclusion and accessibility are basic pillars of everyday democracy’.

More info can be obtained at – http://deafmalta.weebly.com/index.html