/library/oar/handle/123456789/6400 Fri, 06 Nov 2026 07:24:07 GMT 2026-11-06T07:24:07Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150703 Title: Taking down the walls : participatory diagramming with people with intellectual disabilities Abstract: This dissertation outlines a study carried out with a group of people with intellectual disabilities in Malta. The technique employed was participatory diagramming, which exploits visual and oral methods to represent and disseminate information. People with intellectual disabilities have been marginalised in Western societies and generally ignored in academia, both within disability studies as well as in other disciplines, including human geography. Meanwhile, traditional disability research, being mostly carried out by non-disabled researchers, has ignored the voice of people with disabilities. Researchers have thus been called upon to join disabled people in conducting research which listens to the disabled person’s voice and is part of the struggle of disabled people to challenge their oppression. Some have, however, contested the ability or willingness of people with disabilities to conduct participatory research. Hence, this study had two overarching aims: to explore whether participatory diagramming works well with people with intellectual disabilities, and whether it is a useful method in brining to the fore issues pertinent to them and mobilising them to act on the solutions identified. Empirically, the study sought to investigate what the impediments in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities with regards to living independently are. The topic, identified by the participants themselves, comprised three main aspects: control from family members, inaccessibility of public transport, and engaging in romantic relationships, marriage and parenting. The dissertation explores the causes, effects and solutions to the barriers identified by the participants with regards to leading a lifestyle of their choice, and the successes and pitfalls of the research process engaged in with the participants, from brainstorming and developing the research questions, to the diagramming, analysis and the dissemination of the research results. Description: M.A. Research Methods Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/150703 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150702 Title: The state of disability workforce in Europe : needs in training, qualifications and skills Abstract: Commissioned by the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), the Policy Impact Lab (PIL) prepared a report on the state of the disability support workforce in Europe. The report is based on desk research of literature on the topic, an online survey of disability service providers (mostly EASPD members) and several interviews with relevant stakeholders. In accordance with the key objectives set out in the Terms of Reference (ToR), the report overviews:; • challenges faced by disability service providers in recruiting staff;; • hiring intentions;; • qualifications and skills in highest demand for disability service providers;; • most pressing training needs of the current disability support workforce;; • planned training for the next two years;; • current and planned use of new/innovative technologies; and; • the impact of new/innovative technologies on work organisation/efficiency, staff and service users.; The report starts with a brief overview of data collection methods (see Chapter 2), followed by findings and conclusions. First, we present findings from the desk research in Chapter 3 and then overview the key trends uncovered by the online survey in Chapter 4. The report ends with concluding remarks in Chapter 5. The questionnaire used for the online survey is presented in the Annex. Tue, 01 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/150702 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150701 Title: Research study : obstacles and challenges encountered by persons with disabilities in Malta Abstract: This research study aimed at exploring the obstacles and challenges encountered by disabled people in Malta and Gozo in their everyday lives, with regards to the following areas: education, employment, healthcare, leisure and sport, goods and services, guardianship and planning for the future abuse and violence, hate crimes and access to justice. However, other issues, outside of these areas, that the interviewees raised during the interviews, are still discussed here. Mon, 01 Jan 2018 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/150701 2018-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/150520 Title: Policy coherence and impact measurement for sustainable development : focus on policies impacting migrants in Malta Abstract: The main notions underlying the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) laid out in the Agenda 2030 include: leaving no one behind; ensuring equity and dignity for all; and achieving prosperity within Earth's safe and restored operating space. The Goals therefore comprise elements of economic development, social inclusion and sustainable environmental management, and the idea that these interconnected components cannot be tackled separately. In view of this, there is an evident need of policy coherence for sustainable development (PCSD), including at country level. In what follows, this study explores this concept from different aspects with regard to the state of play in Malta. Wed, 01 Jan 2020 00:00:00 GMT /library/oar/handle/123456789/150520 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z