PN proposes upgrading pelican crossings to help the visually impaired

The Nationalist Party has presented a proposal to have all pelican lights fitted with audible signals, to make it easier for the visually impaired to navigate the urban environment.

The proposal was launched during a press conference earlier today held by the PN’s Equal Opportunities Forum (FOIPN).

The proposal includes pelican lights that are under the remit of local councils and should be extended to include ones under the responsibility of the government.

Speaker for local government David Agius said that funding for the project could come from different sources, including an allocation of government funds, and that a partnership with the private sector should not be excluded.

Speaker for the rights of people with disabilities Robert Cutajar explained that the proposal would promote the independence of individuals with visual impairments, as well as accessibility and security.

He also made mention of the Opposition’s proposed amendments to the law on sign language, which should improve the lives of people with hearing impairments.

FOIPN president Grazziella Schembri explained how the proposal came about after a conference for people with disabilities, organized by the forum last October. She recalled how the PN had presented a Private Members’ Bill to make the National Commission for Persons with Disability an autonomous entity as well as an amendment to the Constitution to end discrimination on the basis of ability.