Aġenzija Sapport increased its budget to a record €40.3 million in 2025 as it expanded personalised services for persons with disabilities, introduced new support programmes and prepared for major legislative reforms, according to its annual report.
In a statement, the Ministry for Inclusion and Volunteering said that the agency's budget rose by 14% compared with the previous year, while its workforce grew to 649 employees by the end of 2025.
The annual report highlights the agency's continued focus on promoting independent living, deinstitutionalisation and person-centred services. It also outlines preparations for the planned Personal Assistance Act and the implementation of the European Disability Card and European Parking Card directives. During the year, the agency also strengthened its international engagement through its membership of the European Platform for Rehabilitation.
Several new services were introduced in 2025, including support groups for parents of children with disabilities, people with acquired disabilities, teenage siblings of persons with disabilities and LGBTIQ+ persons with disabilities. New specialised services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, as well as a Youth Work service, were also launched.
Among the key initiatives was the introduction of the SkillUp programme, designed to equip persons with disabilities with independent living skills and prepare them for employment. The agency also established a new Compliance Unit to strengthen governance and service monitoring.
Innovation remained a priority throughout the year. A pilot project, Path2Independence, gave young people with disabilities the opportunity to experience more independent living with professional support. Meanwhile, the European-funded Same Chance project, involving partners from Malta, Portugal and Ireland, was launched to improve employment opportunities for people on the autism spectrum.
Inclusion and Volunteering Minister Julia Farrugia said the government's investment reflected its commitment to delivering more modern and personalised services focused on the needs of individuals.
She said the investment represented "an investment in dignity, autonomy and the potential of every person with a disability", adding that ongoing reforms and new initiatives were aimed at creating a society where everyone could live more independently and participate fully in community life.
The report also details internal reforms within the agency. Its Independent Community Living service was restructured to support the planned personal assistance reform, while an extensive overhaul of day services began to make them more flexible and person-centred. Eligibility criteria under the Empowerment Scheme were also updated.
Aġenzija Sapport continued investing in technology, including the installation of Smart Emergency Buttons in residential facilities to improve staff safety and emergency response. It also invested in the digital platform supporting the European Disability Card and Blue Badge schemes.
Staff development remained another area of focus. More than 500 employees received training through over 150 learning opportunities, while 70 staff members took part in overseas training programmes funded through European Union projects, representing an investment of almost €180,000. The agency's customer care team also assisted around 37,000 individuals during the year.
Infrastructure projects continued across Malta and Gozo, with refurbishment works carried out at several residential homes and day centres. The agency also continued working with Project Green on the development of multi-sensory gardens in Paola and Pembroke, while further projects progressed in Balluta, Mosta and Gżira.
The report also highlights strengthened partnerships with organisations including Special Olympics Malta, enabling hundreds of persons with disabilities to participate in regular sporting activities and international competitions. An agreement was also signed with the iSpeech Language Centre to expand augmentative and alternative communication services.
During the presentation of the annual report, Aġenzija Sapport Chief Executive Oliver Scicluna thanked the agency's employees for their commitment, saying the progress achieved throughout 2025 was the result of the collective efforts of professionals working to improve the quality of life of persons with disabilities.