The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) has concluded its 55th anniversary celebrations with a round table conference titled “Nothing About Us Without Us.”

The discussion reinforced MFOPD’s commitment to full inclusion and community participation for all persons with disabilities.

The event brought together persons with disabilities, parents, representatives from NGOs, government ministries and entities, as well as the University of Malta. Both the Minister for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector and the Opposition Spokesperson for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector attended and participated in the discussion.

MFOPD said that it was honoured to host Ms Gunta Anca, Vice President of the European Disability Forum (EDF), who travelled to Malta specifically for this event.

In her address, Ms Anca delivered a powerful message highlighting the importance of meaningful consultation and mainstreaming within the disability sector.

The conference provided a constructive and insightful discussion, thanks to the contributions of participants and the skill of the moderator, said MFOPD. The dialogue reflected the current realities of persons with disabilities and their families in Malta and the challenges that still need to be addressed.

The key takeaway from the discussion was clear – “mainstreaming must be prioritised.” This means ensuring that persons with disabilities are included in all aspects of society rather than creating new segregated services.

Ms Anca referred to the LifeMap programme as an example. She emphasised the urgent need to continue working towards deinstitutionalisation, promoting community-based living and inclusion for all.

“This event reaffirmed our mission at MFOPD – that persons with disabilities must be at the centre of all decisions that affect their lives. We must move beyond consultation on paper and ensure that mainstreaming and inclusion become a reality across all sectors. True progress can only be achieved when society as a whole embraces inclusion, not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental principle,” it said.

MFOPD extended its heartfelt thanks to all participants. “Special thanks also go to Ms Gunta Anca and the European Disability Forum for their valuable insights, as well as to the moderator for ensuring a professional and engaging discussion.”

This event marked the conclusion of MFOPD’s 55th anniversary celebrations – a milestone that reaffirmed MFOPD’s ongoing commitment to promoting the rights, inclusion, and full participation of persons with disabilities in Maltese society, the organisation said.

Photo: MFOPD

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