Aġenzija Sapport operates the
Empowerment Scheme which aims to provide financial support and guidance to
persons with disability enabling them to purchase equipment which would allow
them to lead a more independent life. The Scheme is run by an independent Board
which includes a number of professionals, who advise and provide information to
persons with disability on how they can purchase equipment according to their
individual needs. Applicants benefiting from this Scheme would also be entitled
to apply for the Grant on the Purchase of Special
Equipment, given that one has the SID Card (Special Identity Card which is
issued by the CRPD).
Those who would benefit from such equipment need to present a report filled in
by a professional, such as Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, or
Audiologist, in case of application for hearing aids. This would need to be
presented to the Board together with an application form
and quotations.
The maximum sum subsided by this Scheme may amount to 50% (excl VAT)
of the total cost of the equipment, up to a maximum of €1,800. In exceptional
cases, the subsidy can even exceed this amount.
The Empowerment Scheme also offers subsidy on individualised transport services
to persons with disability who would need to go to work, to a post-secondary
education institution, or attend sports activities. Such subsidy is given to
persons with disability who are not able to make use of the Public Transport.
Eligibility criteria:
- Applicants must reside/live in Malta;
- Applications
for subsidies of less than €300 will not be considered and may be referred to
other entities;
- Applications
for basic equipment related to accommodation and which are coming from
residents of hospitals or government nursing homes, will not be considered;
- If the purchased equipment exceeds the one-year period from the date of submission of the application, then such application will be refused immediately. The applicant will be informed by telephone and in writing. All documents provided will be returned to the applicant along with the Refusal Letter;
- From time to
time, the Board may issue other conditions according to the need;
- Also, the
Board reserves the right to vary the amount of subsidy given from time to time
as is required by this scheme.
How to apply: