Hello Malta and hello to the Down Syndrome Association of Malta !
MANOA: First of all, I want to thank you for accepting our interview! Welcome to MANOA! It's a pleasure to count you in our virtual tour of foundations of people with Down syndrome around the world! Could you please tell us a bit more about your association?
DSA Malta: The Down Syndrome Association Malta was founded in 1981. It is an independent registered charity, established and run by parents of persons who have Down syndrome. The association relies entirely on voluntary work and donations to continue with its mission. The work of the association depends entirely upon the generosity of its members and the general public through donations that help in meeting the administrative costs and the subsidisation of the services offered.
One of the aims of the association is to encourage people who have Down Syndrome to fulfill their potential for successful and happy lives, in a society that recognises their abilities and is supportive of their needs. The association also contacts parents of newly born babies who have Down syndrome as early as possible and provides counseling and support, particularly in the early stages of a baby’s life. We also represent the interests and needs of people who have Down syndrome in all aspects of life and individuals’ needs, as members of the family and the community.
All year through especially during Down Syndrome Day which is celebrated on the 21st of March of each year we work to increase public awareness and understanding of the nature of people with Down syndrome so they can lead a rewarding and full life.
The association works hard to achieve better services and greater choices in the facilities offered to children and adults who have Down syndrome such as education, therapy, training, leisure, and independent living. We even support professionals in their work and research of Down syndrome.
The Down Syndrome Association helped in various achievements through the years. Thankfully with hard work along with different professions and legislations. Nowadays children who have Down syndrome are seen as children who can succeed.
We, the Down Syndrome Association Malta will continue in our mission of hard work to reach more goals for Down syndrome persons to participate more fully in all aspects of society.
MANOA: How is Down syndrome perceived by the Maltese, especially by the younger generation?
DSA Malta: Persons with the condition of Down syndrome are accepted totally but sometimes they are looked at as children even though they are youths or adults.
MANOA: What stereotypes still remain and what can be done to avoid them?
DSA Malta: We always raise awareness and try to teach society that they are not angels, they are not always happy, they do not hug everyone, and they are able if thought.
MANOA: Does the educational system allow children to be in contact with children with special needs? If yes, how do you think it can benefit others? If not, why and what needs to change?
DSA Malta: Primary schools and Secondary schools in Malta are inclusive. We believe that in the long run, society will benefit. The children of today will be future teachers, managers, and supervisors of tomorrow. We need to continue this system in tertiary and further education.
The concept of hiring persons with disability is being addressed even by the government but persons with physical disability are more employed than intellectual.
MANOA: How are you helping young adults enter the professional world? What are the most common jobs?
DSA Malta: Entities like Lino Spiteri Foundation and Mase Malta support persons with disability. The most common are stackers, office helpers, laundry workers, and helpers in elderly homes.
MANOA: Are companies generally open to hiring someone with Down syndrome?
DSA Malta: The concept of hiring persons with disability is being addressed even by the government but persons with physical disability are more employed than intellectual.
MANOA: At MANOA we are convinced that having a colleague with Down syndrome can bring a lot to the team. How do you see it and do you think our generation is more open to integrating people with Down syndrome?
DSA Malta: Our mission at the Down Syndrome Association Malta is to promote and raise awareness and we can see the change happening. Yes, that is our belief as well.
MANOA: What are the main goals of the association and how are you planning on achieving them?
DSA Malta: The main goals of the Down Syndrome Association and support to reach them are to encourage people who have Down Syndrome to fulfill their potential for successful and happy lives, in a society that recognises their abilities and is supportive of their needs, contact parents of newly born babies who have Down Syndrome as early as possible and to provide counseling and support, particularly in the early stages of a baby’s life, represent the interests and needs of people who have Down Syndrome in all aspects of life and individuals’ needs, as members of the family and the community, increase public awareness and understanding of the nature of Down Syndrome people so they can lead a rewarding and full life, press for better services and greater choice in the facilities offered to children and adults who have Down Syndrome, such as education, therapy, training, and independent living and support professionals in their work and research of Down Syndrome.
Always believe in their abilities !
MANOA: What would be your three recommendations to a Maltese who would like to make a difference with people with Down syndrome in his/her country?
DSA Malta: Always believe in their abilities, they can live an independent life with the support of a personal assistant and be included holistically in society.
MANOA: Thank you very much for your time! I really appreciate it ! Is there one last thing you would like to say to our followers or to people related to Down Syndrome?
DSA Malta: Persons with the condition of Down syndrome are like each and every one of us and that is the only way in simple words how we should be treated.
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