/library/oar/handle/123456789/20012 2026-08-09T13:40:15Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/148000 Title: Department of Disability Studies at ½ñÈÕºÚÁÏ : 10th anniversary Abstract: The Department of Disability Studies proudly marked its 10th anniversary with a celebration on 17th February 2025. The event brought together academics, past and present students, and disability rights activists to mark a decade of research and teaching carried out by the department. The event featured a keynote speech by Prof. Angharad Beckett from the University of Leeds. This commemorative video captures the highlights and reflections from the milestone celebration. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/147846 Title: Malta's disability rights situation Authors: Gauci, Maria Victoria Abstract: As in many countries, changing societal perceptions, stigma, disabling attitudes and addressing discrimination remain an ongoing challenge in Malta. According to the 2021 national census, the number of persons who self-identified as disabled or as having a chronic illness in Malta totalled 129,132, representing almost 25% of the total population aged 5 years or more, a 6-percentage-point rise from the 2011 Census (National Statistics Office, 2024). These figures are projected to rise further due to population ageing and increased longevity among people with disabilities. [excerpt] 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/145249 Title: The quality of life of persons with visual impairment and their families Authors: Callus, Anne-Marie Abstract: The aim of this research was to investigate the quality of life of persons with visual impairment and their families. The research was carried out by Prof. Anne-Marie Callus, on behalf of The Malta Trust Foundation through funding from the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, and in consultation with the Malta Federation of the Visually Impaired. Research ethics approval was obtained from the Faculty for Social Wellbeing Research Ethics Committee, University of Malta. 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/138369 Title: The lived experience of empowerment and overprotection on (in)dependent living of persons with intellectual disability Authors: Barbara, Abner Francis; Callus, Anne-Marie Abstract: This study investigated how persons with intellectual disabilities in Malta experience either empowerment or overprotection in their daily lives. One-to-one interviews were conducted with four adults with intellectual disabilities and their mothers. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Two persons with intellectual disability were found to be empowered, while the other two were found to be overprotected. Empowerment fosters opportunities for personal and social development, more possibilities for relationships and more personal time and privacy – all of which support independent living. Overproctetion reinforces the lack of independent living skills, social isolation and lack of personal time and space. Support services are needed to break the cycle of overprotection. These services should consider and support the needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z