The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) which is the national umbrella organisation for the disability sector, said that it is “really concerned” about what is being written on social media.

The Federation said that this highlights the issue that parents of children with disabilities have no real choice but to accept segregated services.

Marthese Mugliette, President of the MFOPD pointed out that this goes against the principle of the UN Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which is a Maltese law.

She explained that, Article 24(1): General Principle is very clear: States Parties (countries that ratify the Convention) must ensure that persons with disabilities can access an inclusive education system at all levels, without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity.

“This means that education should not be separated or different just because of disability – everyone should learn together, with the necessary support provided,” said Ms Mugliette.

Furthermore:

Article 24(2)(a) – “Persons with disabilities are not excluded from the general education system on the basis of disability.”

Article 24(2)(c) – “Persons with disabilities can access inclusive, quality and free education in the communities in which they live.”

Ms Mugliette argued that “if funding supports segregation, it undermines these obligations.”

The MFOPD went on to say that according to the UN Committee’s interpretation of Article 24, national funds must not be used to perpetuate segregation. Instead, resources should be progressively redirected to make mainstream schools inclusive for all learners.

Malta ratified and signed the UN Convention and it is obliged to work along with the UNCRPD principles, said the MFOPD. “Segregated services, among which the 3-16 educational service and the LifeMap programme, should never ever had even crossed the minds of the policy makers to be offered.”

Marthese Mugliette concluded by saying that “it is important that whatever service starts today, starts in regulation with the UNCRPD. Funding should be directed towards offering services in the community and to attract more professionals to work in the community.”

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