National Conference On Individualised Support For Persons With Disabilities

The Sapport Agency recently hosted a national conference titled “My Life: Developing a National Framework for Individualised Support Throughout Life for Persons with Disabilities.”

This event marked a significant step forward in Malta’s ongoing effort to create a more integrated system of support, placing the needs, choices, and aspirations of persons with disabilities at its centre.

Currently, many individuals and their families must navigate multiple, often disconnected plans spanning medical, educational, and social provisions.

This fragmentation can lead to duplication, inefficiency, and emotional and administrative strain for both the individual and their support network.

The new framework aims to unify these services into a coherent system that follows the person with a disability throughout their life, ensuring continuity and meaningful support.

The conference brought together professionals from health, education, and social services to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for reform.

Co-production was a key theme, with an emphasis on active participation of persons with disabilities in planning their own support.

The Individual Support Plan (ISP) is designed not only to coordinate services but also to reflect the voice, aspirations, and choices of the individual.

This initiative is closely connected to the national personal assistance plan and the introduction of personal budgets, which will give individuals greater control over how they live their lives.

Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia highlighted the importance of a system that harmonises medical, educational, social, and financial plans while empowering the person.

Oliver Scicluna, CEO of Sapport Agency, stressed that ISPs should be practical tools that provide sustained support, enabling individuals to reach their goals. European and local experts contributed to discussions on innovation and best practices in individualised support.

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