Malta’s disability federation pushes personal-assistance reform towards user control

Event

05/05/2023

At an ENIL webinar on 5 May 2023, Marthese Mulette of Malta’s disability federation MFOPD described how advocacy had opened a route to reforming personal assistance. She said an April 2022 anniversary conference, featuring Independent Living advocate Adolf Ratzka, had prompted the national provider to involve MFOPD and ENIL in reform preparations. [1]

Assistance should follow the person’s choices

Mulette explained that MFOPD had challenged the earlier service because it offered too little choice and self-determination. The federation had worked to explain the difference between care arrangements and assistance directed by the person using it. Its involvement brought disabled people’s priorities into discussions with service and public authorities. [1]

Research examined Malta and Gozo

MFOPD also carried out research funded through the 2023 Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme. It examined existing assistance arrangements in Malta and Gozo and explored how services could better support independent living. The study aimed to assess whether support matched people’s needs and identify a future direction. [2]

Public consultation followed in October

Aġenzija Sapport subsequently opened a public consultation in October 2023. Its reform outline describes individual support plans and greater control over assistance, with users, MFOPD, ENIL and public bodies contributing. The agency’s outline sets out a gradual transition towards personal budgets.

Assistance should follow the person’s choices

Research examined Malta and Gozo

Public consultation followed in October

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