The Ministry of Equality’s Supported needs and Disability Office (SNDO) commemorated International Day of Persons with Disabilities by hosting Gibraltar’s first disability conference at the Sunborn Hotel’s ballroom.
The event was well attended by government officials, disability advocates and persons with disabilities.
Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, The Hon. Christian Santos GMD MP opened the conference explaining how Gibraltar was working towards the extension and ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. He explained how this is a lengthy process for all crown dependencies and territories; and how the UK have only extended it to Bermuda in the 15 years that the UK have been part of this Convention.
Minister Santos confirmed he has instructed his team that Sections 13 and 14 of the Disability Act must be unlocked within the lifetime of this parliament.
The unlocking of Section 13 is well underway through the National Disability Strategy. The HM Government Strand was launched in 2024 and objectives are being met. The Private Sector Strand will be launched in 2026.
A working party, made up of several professionals from key areas and chaired by the SNDO has been formed to unlock Section 14. Minister Santos stated that the legislation would be brought into force fairly and transparently, primarily for those who need it, and so that others understand their responsibilities. Persons with disabilities will also be included in the consultation phase.
The conference was Gibraltar’s most accessible conference to date with wheelchair accessibility, the choice to sit at a table for those with upper limb impairments, a hearing loop, two British Sign Language Interpreters standing beside the stage and for the first time ever in Gibraltar, live subtitles. Speak See was launched at this conference. This is a device which enables live subtitles on a screen as the speaker is talking and helps persons with hearing impairments, concentration difficulties and those who are non-native speakers. This technology will now be used in future events.
A new Supported Needs and Disability Passport was also launched at the conference. Further information on this initiative will be released separately.
