FAQs related to Aġenzija Sapport.
The information provided in the answers should serve only as guidance and does not have any legal force.
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PEOPLE ASSISTANCE SCHEMES
EMPOWERMENT SCHEME
WHO CAN APPLY FOR AND BENEFIT FROM THIS SCHEME? IS THERE A SPECIFIC AGE GROUP?
Persons with disabilities who need to purchase assistive equipment which would allow them to lead a more independent life, can apply for this scheme. There is no specific age group (i.e. children and elderly included).
DO YOU NEED TO HAVE THE EU DISABILITY CARD, TO APPLY FOR THIS SCHEME?
Yes, the EU Disability Card is a required document. More details about the application process is available from here.
WHAT TYPE OF ASSISTIVE EQUIPMENT IS COVERED BY THE EMPOWERMENT SCHEME?
Assistive equipment includes, but may not be limited to: electric/powered wheelchairs, pressure relief/air mattresses, walking aids, arm chairs/recliners, hoist system, gel cushions, commode chairs, scooters, alternative communication devices and applications, manual stair climbers and hearing aids.
DO I GET FULL REFUND OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE EQUIPMENT?
No, only a subsidy (partial refund) is allocated by the Board. There is no specific percentage on which one is allocated the funds. The Board decides the amount when assessing each application.
Applications are assessed by an independent Board which includes a number of professionals, who meet once a month to evaluate all applications received during that period.
IS THE SCHEME MEANS-TESTED?
No. The application no longer requires the applicant’s income documents.
IS TRANSPORT INCLUDED IN THIS SCHEME? DO I GET FULL REFUND OF THE TOTAL EXPENCE?
Yes, transport is included in this scheme, however, only a subsidy is allocated to the applicant.
Subsidy is allocated on individualised transport services to persons with disabilities who would need to go to work, to a post-secondary education institution, or attend sports activities by a registered club. Such subsidy is given to persons with disabilities who are not able to make use of the Public Transport.
ARE COMPUTERS AND TABLETS INCLUDED IN THIS SCHEME?
No, computers and tablets are not covered by the Empowerment Scheme, unless they are being specifically used as a communication device which pertain recommended applications.
INTAKE TEAM
HOW CAN I START BENEFITTING FROM SERVICES BY AĠENZIJA SAPPORT?
Upon calling or being referred to Aġenzija Sapport, an Intake professional will assist the person immediately. If the person is interested in a service, a home visit or another face-to-face visit is planned in order for the Intake professional to further understand the needs of the person and provide guidance to services accordingly.
WHO PROVIDES THE SERVICE?
A team of qualified professionals will be involved from the service commencement to the overall provision and review of service.
WHAT ARE THE OPENING HOURS OF AĠENZIJA SAPPORT IN WHICH CONTACT CAN BE MADE?
One may contact Aġenzija Sapport on the Sapport Helpline Servizz.gov Freephone 153 (ext. 05) open Monday – Fri between 08:00 – 16:00 (excluding public holidays).
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE INTAKE PROFESSIONALS?
The Intake professional gathers the personal data and necessary information to be able to support the person. In addition, the Intake professional is equipped with knowledge about internal and external services to guide the person accordingly to meet the stated goals. Eventually, the Intake professional assists the person by linking him/her to the needed services and refers according to the established procedures of each service.
I AM CONCERNED THAT MY PERSONAL INFORMATION IS GIVEN TO PEOPLE THAT I DO NOT KNOW. WHAT DOES THE AGENCY DO WITH MY PERSONAL DATA?
Aġenzija Sapport abides by a strict Data Protection Policy in line with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). All information is kept on record within the Agency. Information is only transferred with the consent of the individual and in line with the Service Agreement signed by the service user.
DO I HAVE ACCESS TO MY RECORDS?
You may request access to your records by sending an email to our Data Protection Officer on [email protected]
I AM A PERSON WITH DISABILITY. HOW WILL I BE INVOLVED IN THE DECISIONS TAKEN ABOUT MY NEEDS?
The Agency will discuss the plan of services with the persons with disabilities and their families.
RESEARCH DEPARTMENT
HOW CAN I CONTACT THE RESEARCH SECTION?
The Agency’s Research section may be contacted either on [email protected].
I WOULD LIKE TO CONDUCT RESEARCH IN RELATION TO DISABILITY. MAY I RECEIVE SOME SUGGESTED TOPICS?
The Research Department can readily provide a number of suggested topics upon request, which could be developed into research projects.
CAN AĠENZIJA SAPPORT GUARANTEE APPROVAL FOR RESEARCH SUBJECTS?
No. The Research Department will make efforts to ensure the highest chances at recruiting research participants, there are a series of reasons for not being able to successfully recruit participants, including, but not limited to:
- The research design and participation criteria may require characteristics which are not commonly found amongst the Agency’s pool of professionals and service users;
- The potential participants who receive the participation invitation may not be interested or willing to contribute time and information to the project or research;
- The research may touch upon sensitive matters, which may discourage participants from contacting the external student or researcher;
- The participation required may be perceived by those who receive the research invitation as complex or time-consuming; etc.
Whilst the Research section is tasked with disseminating the Information Letter and Consent Form document to reach the relevant study population, one must bear in mind that participation in research is always entirely voluntary and that the decision on whether or not to contact the student or the researcher to take part in the study and/or to complete any pertinent questionnaire is solely dependent on the potential participants themselves.
More information may be accessed from here.