More knowledge about sign language to strengthen inclusion
In 2025, the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Unit of Aġenzija Sapport offered support to 44 deaf people
Professionals from Aġenzija Sapport attended a training session on sign language and the culture of deaf people, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusion services and improve access to communication.
The session was led by Emma Ripard Xuereb from the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Unit of Aġenzija Sapport and was attended by social workers, occupational therapists, members of management and other professionals from the Agency. The training focused on both understanding the culture of the deaf community, as well as on practical aspects of Maltese Sign Language, with the support of the team of sign language interpreters.
During the session, participants were given knowledge about basic Maltese Sign Language words and how to communicate more effectively with deaf people. They were also shown how they can promote a more inclusive environment both in professional services and in the community. The practical element of the session also introduced basic Maltese Sign Language terms.
The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Unit was established in late 2024 and began operating during 2025 with the aim of providing support and guidance to deaf people and their families, while promoting the use of Maltese Sign Language. The service offers awareness sessions, individual interventions and home visits tailored to the needs of the person and their family, in order to increase accessibility and inclusion.
In 2025, the service provided support to 44 deaf people. During this year, individual sessions and home visits have already been held with deaf students, while eight training sessions have been given to Aġenzija Sapport professionals. More training sessions are planned until the end of the year, while sessions for deaf students and their families will also be held during the summer, in collaboration with the interpreting team.
The Deaf & Hard of Hearing Unit also works closely with entities such as the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), the Maltese Sign Language Council, the Deaf People Association Malta (DPAM) and the Foundation for Innovation in Assistive Technology (FITA), in order to continue to strengthen services and address the needs of deaf people through assistive technology and other initiatives.
During a visit during one of these sessions, Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia stressed that inclusion starts with accessible communication and professionals trained to understand and respond to the needs of each individual. “True inclusion does not just mean offering a service, but ensuring that every person is able to communicate, participate and feel part of society. Through investment in the training of professionals and in specialized services, we are building a more sensitive, more accessible and closer system for deaf people and their families. For us, every person counts and no one should be left behind,” explained Minister Farrugia. She also explained that in the coming months a project of short online clips will be launched at a national level.
The Chief Executive Officer of Aġenzija Sapport, Oliver Scicluna, stated that such specialised initiatives are strengthening and complementing the services offered by the Agency. He explained that, through continuous collaboration with persons who make use of the services as well as with other entities, the Agency is continuing to develop an integrated services model that improves access to communication and strengthens inclusion for persons with disability, while providing support to family members and the professionals who work with them.
Photo (MIV)
