True inclusion far from being the norm

Inclusion and disability were discussed on TVM’s Popolin recently with persons with disabilities, family members, and NGOs, including MFOPD. By the end of the programme, despite differing perspectives, there was unanimous agreement—true inclusion is far from being the norm in Malta. 

The programme highlighted both information and real-life examples illustrating why inclusion is not happening. For many viewers, it may have been difficult to fully grasp the daily realities faced by persons with disabilities. 

Inclusion means a sense of belonging. Yet, in Malta, we still see students with disabilities pushed into special schools rather than supported in mainstream education. After age 16, the primary option for many is a segregated therapeutic service instead of an inclusive educational programme that prepares them for work and life. Persons with disabilities encounter inaccessible environments, limited transport and infrastructure, and are often excluded from decision-making processes and policies that directly affect their lives.

These barriers collectively prevent full participation and independence. 

The failure of inclusion initiatives is often attributed to poor funding. MFOPD believes funding itself is not the problem—rather, it is about value for money. Too often, initiatives promoted in the name of inclusion are, in reality, segregated services. Inclusion cannot remain a buzzword; it must translate into meaningful, community-based opportunities. 

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is explicit— States must move from segregated services to inclusive, community-based ones. Segregation is not just discouraged but is deemed incompatible with the rights of persons with disabilities. Article 19 of the UNCRPD requires that: 

• Services must be available in the community;  

• They must prevent isolation or segregation;  

• People should not be forced into special or separate settings.  

Malta prides itself on having incorporated the UNCRPD into national law. Yet public funds are still being used for initiatives that go against the very spirit of the Convention. 

The roles of the Directorate for Disability Issues (DDI) and the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) reflect Article 33 of the UNCRPD. The Directorate for Disability Issues (DDI) develops and coordinates policy to transition from segregated to inclusive services, while the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) serves as an independent monitoring mechanism, investigating whether segregated services violate the rights of persons with disabilities. 

MFOPD believes it is time for an honest conversation about inclusion. While Malta has committed to the UNCRPD, many services remain segregated in practice. We need clarity on how the national structures responsible for implementation and monitoring are driving progress. What measurable outcomes have been achieved, and what concrete actions are planned to address ongoing segregation? 

Inclusion cannot remain an aspiration. Persons with disabilities are entitled to equal participation in community life and this requires decisive, coordinated, and accountable action.