A financial grant of €70,000 from the Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering has supported the creation of a course in Maltese Sign Language, the government said.

The course has been launched following the strengthening of this profession, including through the issuing of warrants for practitioners, a statement by the Ministry for Inclusion said.

Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia, attended one of the lectures of this course. The course is being delivered through a collaboration between the Ministry, the University of Malta, and the Maltese Sign Language Council.

This initiative, which began in October of this year, forms part of a strategic partnership between these entities and aligns with the National Disability Strategy 2021-2030. To this end, the Ministry provided a €70,000 grant to support the establishment of the course.

The new course, approved by the Institute of Linguistics and Language Technology at the University of Malta, provides comprehensive training in Sign Language linguistics. Its aim is to strengthen the skills of individuals and students in the understanding and use of Maltese Sign Language. The programme is open to those who already possess competence in LSM, including deaf individuals and sign-language interpreters, and it offers an opportunity for those wishing to become professional teachers of LSM.

The initiative contributes to the objectives of the National Disability Strategy by raising awareness about disability and promoting inclusion through education, the ministry said. It also provides direct support to the deaf community by developing a new generation of qualified sign-language teachers, including deaf educators themselves.

Minister Julia Farrugia stated that the creation of a Diploma in Maltese Sign Language Linguistics represents a historic milestone not only in education but also in social justice and inclusion. She added that society has a clear responsibility to ensure that the deaf community receives the opportunities it deserves and that Maltese Sign Language is recognised and valued as an integral part of the nation's cultural identity. This initiative provides deaf individuals with the chance to be not only students but also teachers and leaders in their field, confirming the Government's commitment to implementing its strategies with seriousness and determination.

After applications were opened, the University of Malta received fourteen applications from deaf students interested in the course. Lessons are being delivered by a combination of local and international academics, including two deaf educators.

This course forms part of the Ministry's broader commitment to ensuring access rights for the deaf community in Malta and Gozo. On 21 November, ahead of the tenth anniversary of the unanimous adoption by Parliament of the law recognising Maltese Sign Language as an official language, a new Act was published concerning the Registration and Issuing of Warrants to Sign Language Interpreters.

This Act has been praised by organisations including WASLI, EFSLI, WFD, and EUD, the ministry said. The Maltese Association of Sign Language Interpreters described it as a "historic moment" establishing standards, recognition and accountability for interpreters, while the Maltese Sign Language Council stated that the Act guarantees a high-quality service for the deaf community in the Maltese Islands.

The Rector of the University of Malta, Professor Alfred J. Vella, noted that this course represents an important opportunity for the University, as it strengthens the rights of the deaf community in Malta. He commended the University for launching the new project and expressed his aspiration that the course will become a normal part of the University's academic work.

Course lecturer Ben Matthew explained that 14 students are currently enrolled. He observed that it is particularly significant that, for the first time, the course is being delivered entirely in Maltese Sign Language.

Loran Ripard Xuereb, a member of the Maltese Sign Language Council, stated that the Council worked to ensure that, for the first time, a specialised course of this type could be created and offered in Malta. He added that this training will enable more qualified individuals to teach sign language in the future.

Course participant Alexia Petrou said that the programme has given her the opportunity to become a University student and to prepare for a career as a sign-language teacher. Today her dream of becoming an LSM teacher is becoming a reality, she was quoted as saying in a Department of Information statement.

Upon graduating, participants will be certified as LSM teachers and will be able to offer suitable courses both to deaf individuals and to hearing individuals, helping make Maltese Sign Language more accessible across society.