Disability in Malta

Sign Languages

The lesser known third official language of Malta

“Maltese Sign Language emerged as a formalised language around 1980, today, it serves not only as a means of everyday communication but also as a medium for education and professional conversation” (Jan, Malta Today)

Social Protection

Man pocketing disability benefits becomes first person to be jailed. “The social benefits racket saw hundreds of people receiving monthly payments after they used falsified documents to be certified as severely disabled.” (2024, Newsbook Malta)

Companies avoid employing disabled workers with €10,000 'fee' “The situation continues in spite of a law which states that firms with over 50 workers require 2% of their workforce to be made up of people with disabilities. This law currently provides the possibility for a firm to pay a contribution with a limit of €10,000.” (2024, Malta Today)

Air Travel

KM Malta Airlines’ wheelchair requirements ‘discriminatory' “KM Malta Airline’s requirement for wheelchair users to fill in and submit a €15 medical form when booking a flight has been labelled “discriminatory” by CRPD Commissioner Rhoda Garland.” (2024, Times of Malta)

New law to better protect the rights of persons with disabilities:

“Among other things, for the first time, discrimination against persons with disabilities will be clearly recognised in the Constitution of Malta, the ministry stated. It said that this new law will see that the rights of people with disabilities are better protected, and Minister Julia Farrugia commented that this legislative package is currently being scrutinised from a legal point of view by the State Advocate's office.” (2024, Malta Independent)

Discussion of quality of life of disabled people with Agenzija Sapport’s CEO Oliver Scicluna, former Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. (2024, Malta Independent)

Malta becomes the 10th EU country to criminalise forced sterilisation of persons with disabilities (2024, EDF)

Forced sterilisation to become illegal in all circumstances Up until now, legal guardians can decide to sterilise people with mental disabilities (2023, Times of Malta)