Name Surname: Sarah Cassar

Country: Malta

City: Sliema

Nationality: Maltese

When I finished my secondary school, I started finding a job because I want to start earning my own money. Luckily I was employed at Planning Authority for 12 years. My aim to learn and get good education was my first priority. I was been to study in the hope that one day I would get a job, earn my own money and to be as independent as possible. My goal was to achieve my goal and have been happily employed.

Since birth, my parents especially my Mother had to assist me in all my needs. She pushed and encouraged me a lot to go to school, until i finished my secondary. However as years went by my mother unfortunately developed a medical condition, besides having various operations and this prevented her from handling me as before. This of course was a shock to me and affected me greatly and i had to find an alternate way. Having a disability is very hard to live your life everyday without the help of anyone. I decided to find a part time carer but it wasn’t enough because I needed help most of the time. I struggled a lot to find a dedicated carer to help me everyday, until I settled myself with a full time carer.

My problems and sufferings in life make me a strong person as I am today. My family had a big role without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I wanted to be involved with disability issues so when my friend (disabled) tried to start a group for young physically disabled people. I was asked to help. I went for it and grab it.

To promote inclusion, assistance, education and socializations of youths with physical disability.

Opportunities: to help young physically disabled get out of their homes, socialise and be more independent.

Threats: Lack of accessibility in the places, public transports, restaurants, bad roads and over protective parents. Not enough people to give a continue helping hand on a voluntary basis.

Don’t let your disability hinder your ability. Be positive in all aspects of your life. Proved to people that despite of your disabilities, you have also ability to do things like normal people can do.