Disability activists lambasted Malta’s COVID-19 guidelines for reopening schools in September, which excluded students with disabilities instructions.
The Malta Federation Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) slammed the document as “half baked” and resulted from a total lack of participation and collaboration with civil societies.
The only page that refers to students with disabilities is on page 23, which relates to students who require nappy changing, feeding, and those who need holding, as per the document.
“What about the other students who do not have these needs and rely on the support of their LSE? What are the guidelines regarding this vis-a-vis class schooling, one to one schooling within a school environment, and those who have to opt for online learning?” The disability group asked.
“How long are persons in authority and policymakers to continue burying their heads in the sand and ignore such unpleasant results due to lack of collaboration with us?”
Malta’s schools received the highly anticipated COVID-19 guidelines ahead of reopening at the end of the month. The reaction from students to teachers and other stakeholders was mixed.
Staff and students older than 11 must wear masks, and classes are kept as small as possible.
