The Malta Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disability (MFOPD) welcomed key measures in the 2026 National Budget, which, it said, recognise some of the additional costs, care demands and exclusion faced by persons with disabilities and their families.
These include that families with children with disabilities will receive a €1,000 annual refund for therapy sessions (an increase of €250 over the previous refund) and eligibility will be extended until the child turns 23 years of age.
An increase in the “Carer’s Grant” for full-time family carers was another, as well as the “Helper of Your Choice” increase in subsidy (for persons hiring an assistant at home). The tax deduction for fees paid to elderly residences or residences for the disabled rising to €4,500 per year, was also welcomed.
“These are welcome steps and demonstrate that the government is aware of the additional barriers encountered by persons with disabilities. However, MFOPD emphasises that real inclusion requires more than just financial adjustments.”
The Federation underlined what it said were “critical priorities” which must be strengthened or advanced further.
These include: Quality Inclusive Education Persons with disabilities must have equal access to high-quality education from early childhood through adulthood. Accessible and Adequate Services for Independent Living. Holistic, Rights-Based Approach Budget measures must rest on the foundation of equal rights, dignity and choice. Long-Term Investment in Outcomes, Not Just Short-Term Relief and Monitoring, Evaluation and Transparency.
MFOPD concluded by saying that it recognises and applauds the positive changes in the 2026 Budget. “We believe that these measures offer real support and show progress. But we also call on the Government to build further, to embed inclusive education and high-quality services as integral parts of the strategy, and to ensure budgets reflect the full spectrum of rights, access and participation for persons with disabilities.”
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