Directorate for Disability Issues - Malta

Last Friday, the Directorate for Disability Issues (DDI) organised the Inter-departmental Coordination Committee (IDCC), chaired by Dr Josanne Ghirxi, Director (DDI), brought together representatives from various Ministries to discuss initiatives, developments, projects and challenges related to disability, with presentations delivered by representatives from the Ministry for Family and Social Policy and the Ministry for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour.
A detailed overview of the IDCC was also provided to new and substitute members, covering the Committee’s purpose, structure, responsibilities and the collaborative mechanisms that support coordination between Ministries and entities towards a more inclusive society. The IDCC forms part of Malta’s UNCRPD National Coordination Mechanism and brings together representatives from government authorities, agencies and entities whose work relates directly or indirectly to the disability sector.
A special thank you to Social Care Standards Authority - Malta for hosting this meeting.
u Benefiċċji Soċjali

♿️ From Vision to Reality: Accessible Transport in Malta – Reality and Regulations in 2026
On 9 September, the Directorate for Disability Issues together with Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability - CRPD supported the organisation of the Mutual Learning Workshop on Accessible Transport, held at the University of Malta's Valletta Campus.
The workshop brought together persons with disabilities, disability organisations,transport operators from the land, sea, and air and individuals to discuss what accessible travel in Malta looks like in practice.
Through an open and constructive dialogue, representatives from KM Malta Airlines, Gozo Channel Operations Limited, Transport Malta and panellists with lived experience contributed valuable insights on the realities of travelling with a disability.
🚌 ⛴️ ✈️ The discussions reinforced an important message in ensuring that every person can travel independently, safely, and with dignity.

📢 Join Us for the ACTIVATE Final Conference!

🗓 2 October 2026
📍 St. Michael's Hospice, Sta. Venera

Discover the achievements of the ACTIVATE Project, where autistic youth across Europe have created resources and digital advocacy tools to strengthen self-advocacy, improve access to opportunities for autistic youths and raise autism acceptance.

The conference will bring together autistic young people, researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders to explore the project's outcomes. Check out the project website https://neuroadvocacy.eu and ACTIVATE Project - Community of Practice (CoP)

🕣 Registration: 08:30
🕒 Event ends: 15:00

✅ RSVP by 29 September 2026 using this registration link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/NQERdFMsCg

Or through the QR code.

We look forward to welcoming you! 💙

ACTIVATE conference: Unveiling the Power of Youth Autistic Voices

Date: 2nd October 2026

Register here: http://bit.ly/3TkH2sz or by using the QR code.

Bridging the gap between transport policy and real-world experience in Malta

How can we move from transport accessibility regulations to actual, seamless mobility for everyone?

Join the mutual learning workshop: "From Vision to Reality: Implementing Accessible Transport in Malta."

What's on the agenda:
Lived experiences shared by persons with disabilities.
Keynotes on European rules & rights
Future plans from land, sea, and air transport operators
Key transport authorities, land/sea/air service providers, and disability advocates will gather to explore and discuss current realities.

Why attend?
• Hear lived experiences directly from disabled transport users.
• Understand key European transport rules & disability rights.
• Learn about current & future infrastructure developments from major transport service providers.

Where: Aula Magna, University of Malta (Valletta Campus) & Online (Hybrid)

When: Wednesday, 9 September 2026 | 09:00 – 13:00 CEST

Participation is free, but registration is required.

Register here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/6aada6b6-dbe8-fe3b-0751-4bff461ab3d8

Save the date! 📅

On the 2nd of October, ACTIVATE will be hosting it's final conference, named:
The "ACTIVATE Advocacy Showcase: Unveiling the Power of Youth Autistic Voices" conference.

Join us as we salute the project and recount the awesome journey that ACTIVATE has been!

The conference will bring together participants to reflect on the achievements and outcomes of the ACTIVATE project and explore future opportunities for disability advocacy and inclusion. The work on the ACTIVATE project has been led by autistic youths, the material developed will be shared with participants attending the conference.

We look forward to seeing you there! Follow this space for more information coming up soon.

Check out the agenda of the upcoming AccessibleEU mutual learning workshop: "From Vision to Reality: Implementing Accessible Transport in Malta."

Where: Aula Magna, University of Malta (Valletta Campus) & Online (Hybrid)

When: Wednesday, 9 September 2026 | 09:00 – 13:00 CEST

Participation is free, but registration is required.
Register here: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/6aada6b6-dbe8-fe3b-0751-4bff461ab3d8