An appreciation of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Act 1969

Abstract

The transition from school to adolescence and then to adult life is a complex human phase involving psychological, biological, social, economic, legal and spiritual issues. However, the ways in which people with disabilities are classified and the definition given to the notion of "handicap", are important factors in determining the destinies of people bearing these labels. The United Nations "World Programme concerning Disabled Persons, 1983 - 1992"; reports that there is a large and growing number of persons with disabilities in the world today. The estimated figure of 500 million is confirmed by the results of surveys of segments of population, coupled with the observations of experienced investigators. In most countries, (Malta included, and this according to the National Commission of the Handicapped) at least one person out of 10 is disabled by physical, mental or sensory impairments, and at least 25% of any population is adversely affected by the presence of disability. It is a well known fact that medicine has had a significant effect in the field of disability. The point remains that the image of "handicap" has been closely linked with that of illness, leading to the creation of a strong rehabilitation system that has been very difficult to change, especially due to the vested interests of a wide array of professionals in the survival of the system. One therefore sees the growth of special classes, units or enclaves within the normal system, bringing with it a wave of social criticism in that this social system has segregative effects.