Looking back, the Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) happily notes that last year, 2021, was a positive year for us.
First and foremost it was the first (whole) year the disability sector was managed by its own much needed Minister. The sector has finally been given the true importance it merits.
What happened in 2021 within the disability sector is something the present MFOPD committee members never witnessed. The voice of all persons with disability started being heard and being present more than ever. Throughout last year and through MFOPD, the voice of the persons with disability was given the opportunities to be heard and considered. This happened because our Minister truly believes in the voice of persons with disability. Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli put herself in our shoes and is walking our journey with us. This is the greatness of our Minister. She has changed the way, the how and the when the voice of persons with disability should be heard. 2021 has seen a radical change in all this.
This change could not happen without the constant support of our Permanent Secretary Mr Matthew Vella. He is an expert in our field as he comes from the social sector. There is a good, open communication and team work between our Minister and the Permanent Secretary which is felt among those around them. This is very healthy and most important to our sector. Fortunately, they also act like this with all of us working within the disability sector.
Looking ahead, MFOPD sees a more stable disability sector with the persons with disability being always at the centre of every discussion and decision taken. The journey in the right direction has finally started. MFOPD is very confident that with both Minister Farrugia Portelli and Mr Vella as Permanent Secretary at the helm, the disability sector will continue to flourish.
There is still so much to be done in our sector. With the right people and the right attitudes, Malta can, one day, finally boast of a strong disability sector!
The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) is the national umbrella organisation for the disability sector. It was established 51 years ago and is the voice of, approximately, 35,000 persons with disability in the Maltese islands. It has 34 enrolled member organisations all working within the disability sector.
Marthese Mugliette
President, MFOPD