The Malta Federation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (MFOPD) said that it has taken note of the recent “One Device per Child” advert currently airing on national television.

The Organisation noted that the advert promotes “strong and admirable” principles such as “equal opportunities for all,” “no student should fall behind,” and “a modern, inclusive and innovative education for each student in our country.”

In a statement, Marthese Mugliette, President of MFOPD, said that the Organisation “fully supports these values. If genuinely upheld and implemented across the board, they would significantly reduce many of the persistent challenges faced within our education system and later in the labour market.”

However, MFOPD stated that it is “deeply concerned because the realities experienced by students with disabilities do not reflect the aspirations portrayed in this campaign.”

It noted that, “despite the commitments expressed in the advert, students with disabilities are still falling behind. Equal opportunities are far from a reality. Many essential services remain non-mainstreamed, and instead of moving closer to full inclusion, new segregated services are being introduced without offering students and their families any meaningful choice.”

“A clear example is the 16+ LifeMap programme, which is being presented as a default option rather than part of a diverse, inclusive framework,” stated the MFOPD.

Furthermore, MFOPD said it is “alarmed by the possibility that a non-mainstreamed health service for persons with disabilities may be introduced. Such developments risk reinforcing segregation rather than dismantling it.”

The Organisation warned that “these decisions disregard the fundamental principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us,” which continues to be overlooked by authorities. Persons with disabilities must be involved in all decisions that impact their lives.”

MFOPD reiterated that persons with disabilities want to exercise their rights on an equal basis with their peers. “Disability should never be used as a justification to create parallel systems or limit opportunities. All students must have access to mainstreamed, inclusive services that allow them to thrive within their communities – not segregated provisions that restrict their potential.”

MFOPD concluded by urging all relevant authorities to align their policies and practices with the values they publicly promote and to engage meaningfully with representative organisations. Only then can Malta truly claim to offer inclusive, modern, and equitable education for all.”

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