Gibraltar Local Disability Movement News Room

Re: PARALYMPIC silver medalist Mark Brown is looking to a new challenge

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Re: PARALYMPIC silver medalist Mark Brown is looking to a new challenge

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Re: Bishop Signs Public Enquiry Petition

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Re: GLDM Hands Over Its Petition For A Public Enquiry

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:37:00 GMT

Re: Movement has delivered public petition

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:34:54 GMT

Re: GLDM Welcomed The Minister Mr. Ernest Britto On The Eastern Beach Upgrades

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:33:59 GMT

Re: Imbeciles, Idiots and Defectives

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:30:29 GMT

Re: GLDM WELCOMES EASTERN BEACH FACILITIES

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:29:31 GMT

Re: Disabled Parking Bays At St. Bernard's Hospital [Press Release Tuesday, 27 May 2008]

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:26:52 GMT

Re: Government should proved help to the family�s & users

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:25:18 GMT

Re: Hundreds Help �Clean Up The World� But What About The Allegations Of Abuse

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:24:09 GMT

Re: Gibraltar Local Disability Movement calling for a public enquiry into the Social services Agency

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:22:38 GMT

Re: Dr Giraldi Home When Will It All End

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:21:48 GMT

Re: Concerns of families of residents of the Dr Giraldi Home Grows [Press-release Friday, 23 May 2008]

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:20:55 GMT

Re: Positive Reaction From Our Community

eaglesJerseys — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 07:19:58 GMT

Eyes Open On Abuse In Gibraltar

admin — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:49:06 GMT

The Gibraltar local disability movement has come out today in reaction on the sexual abuse court case where the former head of a children�s care home in Gibraltar was jailed for six years on sexually abusing two young girls over a period spanning five decades.

The movement has found this to be a scandalous behaviour on someone who�s trust was upon in the care and protection of young children. Although the sexual abuse started in 1956 in this case as we know it, the GLDM will like to think that measures have been put in place so that it will never happen again. The disability movement believe that we must not be complacent and we have to be on guard as it is the vulnerable people that need our help and even protection.

Spokesman of the GLDM adds:
In a case as the one we have experienced, we can�t forget the allegations of abuse at Dr Giraldi Home after 12 staff members came forward, many with serious allegations of abuse who were prepared to give evidence who were or been unable to voice the allegations of abuse and the standards of practices within the Dr Giralidi Home even with a total 41 signed witness statements raising serious concern about the welfare of vulnerable people.

Sadly in Gibraltar many may think this is an isolated case, the disability movement can guarantee that this is not so, and we all must play a part by voicing our concerns that an independent inspections measures of the service, that take people in care must be put in place, so to protect the service users.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement
"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"

YOURE VOTE, YOUR SAY

admin — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:21:01 GMT

A general election maybe on the horizon and it�s time to make sure that you have your say on the issues that matter to you.

The Gibraltar local disability movement in anticipation of the general election is seeking you for your opinion. The movement is asking you to send your questions and also what you would like to see in the political parties manifesto.

The idea behind it all a spokesperson of the GLDM adds: That in anticipation of the general election it would be a good idea and helpful not just for the movement but also for the political parties to know what peoples anticipation would be in Gibraltar for our next government on disability issues.

Questions sent to the movement will be forwarded to the political parties and their replies posted online on the Gibraltar local disability movement website at www.disability.gi The question format will be a simple one, that is i.e., all questions that are sent to the movement must be a general question that you would like to ask all the political parties and not just a single political party, the questions are limited to 3.

The movement is also requesting:
What would you like to see in its political parties manifesto?
The movement is calling this, �The Wish List� The wish list will be limited to 3 and is to be sent to all political parties in Gibraltar.

The Gibraltar local disability movement hopes that the government�s policy position on its range of current issues, all of which, in some way, prevent disabled people from participating in society and expectations will make a difference with the questionnaire when it comes down to policies. The GLDM will like and will encourage the political parties to sign up to a pledge to be an accessible MP

Your three questions and Wish List can be sent by e-mail to gldm@disability.gi the closing date will be 3days after when the next general election has been called upon.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement
"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"

The Equality Act 2010 legislation replaces the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) [October 6th, 2010]

admin — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:16:24 GMT

On Fri 01/10/2010 The Equality Act 2010 came into force and will replace the Disability Discrimination Act.

The Equality Act 2010 (�the Act�) provides protection from discrimination on the basis of protected characteristics in a wide range of circumstances, including in work, access to services and the functions of public bodies, premises, education and associations.

The Gibraltar local disability movement series of questions describes the various elements which need to be considered in determining whether a person has a disability in Gibraltar as it is inadequate, and failing to protect the disabled community in Gibraltar.

Disabled people are also less likely, than their non disabled peers to think that the Criminal Justice System (CJS) is fair when it comes down to disability in Gibraltar.

The fact that the law that stands determines that a person can only be considered disabled by virtue of birth is antiquated and therefore has no legitimate use for the disabled in Gibraltar, and this needs to be changed. Spokesman of the GDLM has today questioned the law on disability in Gibraltar.

The fact that disabled persons can only be considered to be disabled by virtue of birth is somewhat antiquated. To be considered disabled in Gibraltar as it stands today comes down to a few individuals who would consider if you have a disability or not, and therefore your disability status is only granted by the discretion of these individual�s. Thus this, the GLDM considers that this can be seen by many as to be discriminatorily as the procedure system can be judgmental in its decision. The decision reached by one or more sitting on the advisory board can be reached on a personal note rather than on medical category.

An Act should be in force such as a tribunal or court, and it should determine whether a person is a disabled person. There must be is a series of questions and various elements which need to be considered in determining whether a person has a disability and a decision arrived at and pronounced by a court of law and its judgment must be regarded as final.

A medical board where it diagnoses a person disability must be established and must work in conjunction with the tribunal or court to determine the legitimacy of the person disability.

The Government must implement a basic structure where it provides a clear structure where the disabled community can rely on for its protection and well-being and this can only be done with consultation with other governmental bodies and NGOs.

The Gibraltar local disability movement would like to see a new vision and commitment when it comes down to disability issues and feels that Gibraltar has fallen well behind other European communities when it comes down to the well-being of the disabled.

On a sadder note the Gibraltar local disability movement would like to convey its condolences to the family off the late Bishop Charles Caruana. Bishop Charles Caruana has always worked hard for the disabled community in Gibraltar and especially for the Blind Association where he was chairperson. He was a man of great character and a priest of great passion. We are sure his soul will be in heaven and his hart will be among us all, God bless.

PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY CLOCK TURNING BACKWARDS

admin — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:17:29 GMT

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has had to come out this week in protest to the conditions that disabled people in Gibraltar are being subjected to.

A spokesperson of the GLDM has come out today with a strong statement where spokesman Mr Gordon Nelson adds, � Many changes have been going on in Gibraltar and it is sad that disability only comes out in the forefront when it suits to enhance the requirements of any public servants or the public.�

Mr Nelson has received many unhappy emails to the Gibraltar Local Disability Movement where disabled people have found comfort and relief in trying to alleviate their anxiety.

Mr Nelson from the disability movement highlights several particulars the movement has received.

Relating to one person the local disability movement received an email of which is not a one off situation this happens more and more often Mr Nelson ads.

Sadly we received mail where a man unnecessarily was experiencing a very hard time trying to gain access to his car even at a point of being hailed a barge of insults to his person.

The man mail told us the following.

Dear Sirs

I am fed up with having to call for Police presence to remove motor scooters that surround my car when parked in disable bays. There are many occasions when I have been unable to gain access to my vehicle especially the 2 parking bays at the side of the new NatWest building. I only hope that these selfish motorists never have to know what it is to be disabled and have to rely so much on the assistance of others. I have found it very difficult after an extremely active life to come to terms with my disability after a stroke 3 years ago and feel very strongly that police are not doing enough to deter indiscriminate parking. I also feel there should be parking ONLY for the disabled in Line Wall and also more bays on estates.

The same gentleman also sent us a second email of which was more alarming.

Prior to parking in same disabled parking bay, it was occupied by a Government small white van whose occupants were in the bank. I reported the van to Police who informed me that it was from Environmental Ministry. They called them and the 2 people came back to the vehicle. I then had to put up with insults from the passenger who informed me that as it was a Government vehicle, and they can park where they like. I have since reported the vehicle and occupants to Governmentand am awaiting an outcome of an enquiry into this matter.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement did ask the gentleman in question if he could take photos of his situation and we have produced 3 motor cycles blocking here.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has asks itself why the movement has received so many complaints about disabled parking bay car blockings, in the pasts months, and has come to a conclusion that this can only be due to two things that, one, people are uncaring in parking on a disabled parking bay or second, it has become virtually impossible to park anywhere due to works been carried out around Gibraltar.

In any case the GLDM believe that the gentleman who had been but through a very difficult and harrowing experience should get all the support he needs where the police must reinforce their action where necessity even in the removal of vehicle f need-be. The privations of essentials requirements must be forced where just like in Spain if anyone blocks a disabled parking bay a on the sport fine is put on anyone of over 80 to 100 plus euros

On another note the Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has received many emails on the hardship on the impossible cost of living the disabled are being put though. Government budget in these past years have forgotten the disabled community, with increased of municipal charges 3% electricity and 3.5% water and the cost of living being on the up, the disabled have found they are being the forgotten ones.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement would like to quote an article which was on the Gibraltar Chronicle on, Tuesday, 3rd August 2010

The Unite District Committee member Albert Hewitt has criticised Liberal Party leader Joseph Garcia for stating that what the Gibraltar Government was giving in tax allowances with one hand it was taking away in increased charges with the other.

Speaking to the Chronicle Mr Hewitt said that ordinary working class families would be substantially better off as a result of this year's budget measures.

(Unquote)

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement adds here we have an issue that the disabled community don�t come into the equation of being part of the community.

Mathematical statement that of two expressions, usually divided hasforgottenthat there is a wider community. Mr Hewitt said that ordinary working class families would be substantially better off as a result of this year's budget measures, but has forgotten that many of them ordinary working class families are helping a disabled family member they have, or the disabled community. The disability movement also would have like Mr Garcia to have sported out the shortfall of the budget measures towards the disabled community. The GLDM asks that a balance to a monetary solution to an old age problems be considered, as the disabled community limited amountprovide in this day and age is not meeting their needs.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement end by saying this is not the first time it has been calling out for better income support. On Tuesday, 31st March 2009 the GLDM adds.

GDLM said it is making a note of the next budget as regards disabled allowances.

�The GLDM would like to see a system that is based on a different price index, where disabled allowances are based on �real income, usually defined as money income adjusted for the cost of living.�

�Standard of living income inequality when it comes to the disabled in Gibraltar can only be a measuring of the standards of living and health of the economy in Gibraltar. Having the same privileges, rights, status, and opportunities as others, has many factors and one of them should be a system that insures a measuring standard of living for the disabled.�

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement
"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"

Thumbs up to GTA

admin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:15:56 GMT

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement praises the achievement of the Gibraltar Taxi Association

The disability movement has for a number of years expressed its thoughts to the Gibraltar Taxi Association on taxi availably for the disabled.
Commenting on this the GLDM spokesman ads,

�It has been a long time coming and we are very happy and we praise the actions by the Taxi Association and we give it a thumb up. The Disability Movement has been receiving emails and phone calls for years by tourist�s visitors to Gibraltar asking about disabled transport and we are sure that the services will be in high demand by tourist.�

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement also makes note that although the number of vehicles is one, and will be used by visitors who arrive in Gibraltar cruise ships. It has been advised by Taxi Association that it would be better if anyone who needs the services to pre booked it, as it will be in demand.

The GLDM question the GTA �Mr. Paul Balban� if they like to add anything and they added.

�It is well hoped that in soon, depending on the demand that more taxis will offer wheelchair-friendly taxi services in Gibraltar. And we will be installing five vehicles with wheelchair ramps with a view for more; this will improve their services we will offer to the community�

Added info by GTA
Pre booked taxi: �5 flat fee + meter charge
Airport pick up ; Flat fee of �25 (Airport, to one destination)
Tour: Based on minimum 2 hours �90 for 1st hour and �60 for second hour (Additional hour(s) or part thereof at �60)
Normal radio pickup: Meter reading

Further we advise that at present we only have one car available although we intend to increase this number to around 5 within the next couple of months. Because of this we trust and understand that availability will, at the moment be impossible 24 /7

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement ends its note by saying that the Gibraltar Taxi Association has without government help enhanced the tasks of daily life of the wheelchair users in Gibraltar and hopes that this incentive encourages other commercial business to do the same.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement
"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"
www.disability.gi

GLDM WELCOMES EASTERN BEACH FACILITIES

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 15:43:38 GMT

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has welcomed the new eastern beach faculties as a steep forward that will enable people with disabilities to access the beach.

Spokesman of GLDM adds Beach facilities have made history allowing wheelchair users� access to one of its beaches i.e. Eastern Beach, but hopes that this is a first step in the right way for other beaches. The Disability Movement has received many emails from outside gib asking about beach facilities in Gibraltar. Although beach facilities for the disabled are more than needed and welcomed, the Movement would have loved to have seen disabled beach facilities at Camp Bay were the possibility of sand grains getting into wheelchair wheels would be limited.

The GLDM also remakes that it has, form the launch of Eastern Beach facilities, received emails from persons who ask that they would like to be as independent as possible avoiding having other people helping out and what are the alternatives, other emails ask about Gibraltar facilities available for the disabled as in taxi�s cable car and tourist facilities access.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement hopes that both Minister for Family, Youth and Community Affairs, Jaime Netto and Gibraltar and Tourist minister Ernest Britto could work together in sorting out this long time issues making Gibraltar a model for others to follow. Driving big business on disabled holiday visits into Gibraltar can be a possibility to help the Gibraltar holiday business trade. Last year, an increasing numbers disabled people flew out of UK airports during the last holiday of the summer and still it appears that a huge gap in the requirements of disabled clients mean agencies and operators in Gibraltar alike are missing out on a lucrative opportunity.

Following EU rulings which came into force in July last year, disability-awareness and
disability-equality training are now legal requirements for all staff dealing with the travelling public.

GLDM warns: �Some travel companies are leaving themselves open to potential prosecution and fines through discriminatory conduct. The disabled traveller is legally entitled to the same quality service as others.�

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement
"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"

Imbeciles, Idiots and Defectives

admin — Wed, 27 May 2009 10:22:11 GMT

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has described the action in the criminal reforms bill in the wording �imbeciles, idiots and defectives" being continued in the Minister for Justice Daniel Feetham proposed Bill as highly offensive to people who have cognitive disabilities and is the continuation of old language in the older law which we still have here in Gibraltar, from the previous legislation, which is the Criminal Offences Act

The new bill, which will now eventually be passed to be debated by Parliament, for the possible adoption into law must remove the out of date terms as in, defectives, imbeciles and idiots,

The Minister for Justice Daniel Feetham may be introducing a new modernised crimes bill probably in 2010 but it is not modern or a comprehensive reform of our criminal justice system in our history if we continue to use the words of our distant past mistakes.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement disagreement in the proposed new Crimes Act (programmed for 2010) is in the wording, spokesman of the GLDM adds �when we are dealing with the disabled in a bill which is aimed at equalization in the age of consent, I ask, must we keep this wording where them with a disability are named as, idiots, imbeciles and defectives? This is surely totally unacceptable for the cognitively disabled�

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement
"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"

GLDM Welcomed The Minister Mr. Ernest Britto On The Eastern Beach Upgrades

admin — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:17:14 GMT

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has welcomed the Minister Mr. Ernest Britto on the Eastern Beach upgrades to the changing room; the Movement believes this can only be of great advantage for the disabled. But warns that to have a fully useable facility in must be done under full consultation with disabled NGO�s to ensure maximum usability and accessibility for all disabled persons that wish to use the beach facilities.

Although Beach upgrades to the changing room can be of benefit it must be accompanied with a beach that is suitable or adapted for people with disabilities.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement also makes a note on this year next budget on the disabled allowances. The GLDM would like to see a system that is based on a different price index, where disabled allowances is based on �Real income� usually defined as money income adjusted for the cost of living. And not giving as an allowance on factors of consideration.

Standard of living income inequality when it comes to the disabled in Gibraltar can only be a measuring of the standards of living and health of the economy in Gibraltar. Having the same privileges, rights, status, and opportunities as others, has many factors and one of them should be a system that insures a measuring standard of living for the disabled.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement

"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"

Movement has delivered public petition

admin — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 23:19:13 GMT

As stated in our press release yesterday, the Gibraltar Local Disability Movement has to-day delivered a public petition calling on the Governor to consider actions to investigate the allegations made in respect of the social service agency and the management of the Dr Giraldi Home.

The Movement will now await the outcome of his considerations.

The petition was delivered under cover of a letter, copy enclosed for publication, in which we recommend a system of inspections that would have avoided all the controversy. In order to ensure that this never happens again in the future, the Movement will now seek to gather support for the regular independent review of the social services including the Dr. Giraldi Home to ensure our compliance with international standards in this connection and to follow best UK practices and legislation.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement

"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"

Cover of a letter:

His Excellency the Governor,
The Convent,
Main Street,
Gibraltar.

17th March 2009.

Your Excellency,

Ref: Allegations of abuse and mismanagement at the Dr. Giraldi Homes.

In handing over the enclosed sampling of public opinion on the matter of the Dr Giraldi Home, we must explain the circumstances that lead to our request.

The subject of our concern is the most delicate and challenging for any modern democratic society. The care and well being of its most vulnerable citizens.

You will have followed the many public exchanges between different parties on the matter.

This Movement is only concerned with the protection of the users of the services and their relatives.

We sympathise with Joanna Hernandez, given that the Tribunal found her to have been unfairly dismissed, and with the workers of the Dr Giraldi Home given the difficult and demoralising effect of the continued public debate.

They must however, of necessity, come second to this concern.

The users of the Home can hardly defend themselves publically or otherwise. Similarly the families of these special people are vulnerable given their dependence on these services and therefore may not be able to express their views as they would wish to.

This Movement believes that the manner in which the information has become public has actually served to increase public anxiety rather than appease our concerns. It is our view that the Government should have immediately ordered an Independent Public Enquiry into the allegations the moment it was unable to defend its case in front of the Unfair Dismissal Tribunal. At that point any cross examination of witness statements became impossible and a proper independent investigation into these serious allegations was imperative given that they involved both systemic and specific instances at all levels.
Its reluctance to do so has driven the whole issue into the political arena.

It is not our view that this is a political issue.

What is important for us and the signatories to the petition is that the public in general should have available the result of an independent investigation into these allegations so that the veracity of them or otherwise is established clearly and without bias.

The sampling of public opinion submitted has been compiled exclusively from residents and visitors within Montagu Gardens, Varyl Begg Estate and during the course of our desk at the Piazza on 28th February 2009. We believe that it clearly represents huge public support from a well balanced and highly representative cross section of our community.

It is further our view that regular Independent audits should be conducted into our social services including the Dr Giraldi Home. These are required to ensure our compliance with relevant United Nations and European criteria as they relate to the care of the disabled. We would venture that given the size of our community the only way to ensure the removal of any possible bias is to appoint the services of a specialised independent body.

The Commission for Social Care Inspection for example, are independent but set up by the UK Government specifically to improve social care and stamp out bad practice. Seeking their involvement would ensure that standards in Gibraltar are comparable to those applicable in UK. Surely commissioning them to implement these inspections would auger well not only for the users and their families but also for the professional development of the many employees of the Home.

I have pleasure in enclosing a CD containing copies of the allegations made public by Joanna Hernandez for your ease of reference. Similarly I enclose extracts from the Hansard of our House of Parliament relating to the issue.

Yours sincerely,

Gordon Nelson
Gibraltar Local Disability Movement.

c.c The Press

GLDM Hands Over Its Petition For A Public Enquiry

admin — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 15:21:09 GMT

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement will be handing over its petition for a public enquiry into the allegations made, to His Excellency the Governor tomorrow at noon.

The Petition reads;
We the undersigned are seriously concerned about recently published allegations relating to the events at the Dr Giraldi Home and to other claims of abuses and mismanagement within the Social Services Agency between 2000 and 2005. We are particularly disturbed by the fact that despite calls for an independent investigation of these allegations from a number of different sources the Government has so far refused to investigate them, creating the perception of appearing determined to cover up the allegations.

Accordingly, we respectfully request Your Excellency the Governor to order the setting up of a full public inquiry into the chain of allegations and the circumstances surrounding them; and, should this be beyond your remit, to urge the Government, using the full authority of your office, to set up such an inquiry. In addition we call on Your Excellency to draw to the attention of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office the serious allegations that have been made, their possible implications for the proper care and protection of vulnerable citizens and the potential risk of failure to comply with relevant International Human Rights requirements.

The Gibraltar Local Disability Movement
"Our Success Is A function Of Determination And Ability"