Two judicial protests over access to persons with disability

The National Commission Persons with Disability (NCPD) has filed two judicial protests within the framework of the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act.

The protests concern the lack of physical access for all at a pharmacy and an outlet that sells assistive apparata used by disabled persons.

The first judicial protest is against Firstar Health Care Ltd, which has an outlet in Sliema, that sells assistive apparata, including wheelchairs.

Over the last months, the commission said it has been holding talks with Firstar at ensuring that the outlet has, at the very least, an entrance which is compliant with Access for All Guidelines published by KNPD, thus ensuring full access to persons with mobility impairments. The second protest is directed at the Rational Pharmacy, in Birkirkara, which, according to the building permit issued by Mepa, should have been accessible to all. However, the pharmacy has still not taken the necessary measures to ensure compliance, the commission said.

KNPD said the infringements constitute discrimination under the Equal Opportunities (Persons with Disability) Act.

The commission is again asking the management of both Firstar Health Care Ltd and Rational Pharmacy to find a solution to the problems, thereby ensuring access for persons with mobility impairments, including wheelchair users, who make use of the essential services provided by the establishments.