As part of the European Year for persons with disability, the European Employment Services (EURES) in Malta organised a forum in conjunction with the National Commission for Persons with Disability (NCPD), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The forum focused upon the promotion of mobility among workers with a disability. Mr. Joe Camilleri, Chairperson of NCPD, said that in the past 20 years, since the Commission was formed, initiatives have multiplied in favour of persons with disability. NCPD, has provided society with a focal point in this area.

Mr. Camilleri mentioned the first local "landmark" in the field of employment of persons with disability, the introduction of the quota legislation in the 1960's. Mr. Camilleri referred to stereotypes which are a threat to society's advancement in this area. Society should ask whether the environment we are creating is helping these individuals to integrate at the place of work and in other areas.

While discussing new entrants in the labour market, Mr. Camilleri mentioned the lack of specific career guidance and counselling for persons with disability. So far, the country does not offer these services which are highly required if we are aiming at increasing the participation rate of these people.

While referring to the employment of persons with disability in the private sector, Mr. Camilleri said that one should not assume that persons with disability are a liability to business. He said that there are many cases of success in this field. He also said that 70% of persons with a disability can easily adapt to the work environment without particular assistance.

Mr. Raphael Scerri, the EURES Manager, explained the services of EURES which provide support to workers interested in work opportunities in Europe. Scerri explained the EURES job mobility portal and how it may be of use to employers and jobseekers.

Mr. Charles Cassar, Senior Manager at ETC's Supported Employment Section, mentioned the initiatives taken by ETC to facilitate the integration of people in situations of disadvantage. He mentioned work exposure and training schemes provided to ETC jobseekers having a disability. Mr. Cassar also made reference to the financial assistance given to employers who engage these persons.

For the forum, EURES brought over to Malta a Norwegian employer of a medium-sized company that employs a number of persons with disabilities. One of these employees, Mika, was present for the forum. Mika has been looking for a job unsuccessfully for many years because of his disability. The Norwegian employer said that he employed Mika not out of charity but because he clearly had the greatest potential of the 63 people he interviewed. Speaking from experience, the employer said that persons with disability very often have corresponsing strengths which more than compensate for this.