Learning from Luxembourg: MFOPD Explores Good Practices for a More Inclusive Malta

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At MFOPD, we firmly believe that meaningful change begins with learning, collaboration, and the exchange of good practices. It is with this spirit that our delegation recently travelled to Luxembourg for a study visit aimed at exploring innovative disability policies and identifying practical approaches that could strengthen the implementation of the rights of persons with disabilities in Malta.

The visit brought together representatives from MFOPD, the Luxembourg Ministry for the Family, and Info-Handicap, Luxembourg's national umbrella organisation for the disability sector. Through a series of meetings and discussions, the delegation gained first-hand insight into how Luxembourg has embedded disability rights across government policy and public administration.

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Inclusion as a Government-Wide Responsibility

One of the strongest impressions from the visit was Luxembourg's unwavering political commitment to disability inclusion. Rather than treating disability as the responsibility of a single ministry, the Luxembourg Government has adopted a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.

A Ministerial Committee, composed of representatives from all ministries, oversees the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Importantly, every stage of this work involves consultation with Info-Handicap, other civil society organisations, and persons with disabilities themselves.

This collaborative model demonstrates that meaningful participation is not an afterthought—it is an essential part of decision-making.

As one participant explained, in Luxembourg, commitments made under the UNCRPD are followed through with determination and conviction.

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Education Built Around the Student

The study visit also provided valuable insights into Luxembourg's inclusive education system.

Students with disabilities are supported to progress at their own pace, recognising that every learner has different strengths and needs. Educational support is provided through specialised assistants working alongside expert teachers, ensuring that students receive the assistance they need without compromising educational quality.

The delegation was particularly interested in the flexibility built into the system, allowing students to continue their education beyond compulsory school age whenever necessary.

This personalised approach reflects an understanding that inclusion is not about fitting everyone into the same model—it is about adapting the system to meet individual needs.

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Preparing for Employment

Another area that attracted significant interest was Luxembourg's structured transition from school to employment.

A dedicated national service supports young persons with disabilities as they leave school and begin preparing for employment, ensuring that they do not fall through the gaps between education and adult life.

For MFOPD, this highlighted the importance of creating stronger transition pathways in Malta that empower young people to move confidently towards independent and fulfilling lives.

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Accountability Through Partnership

The visit also demonstrated the important role played by civil society in monitoring disability rights.

Although Luxembourg does not have an equivalent to Malta's Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability, organisations representing persons with disabilities play a central role in evaluating national disability policies alongside independent institutions and external experts.

Rather than being consulted occasionally, disability organisations are recognised as equal partners in shaping, monitoring, and improving public policy.

This model reinforces one of MFOPD's longstanding principles: Nothing About Us Without Us.

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Accessibility Is Non-Negotiable

Accessibility was another area where Luxembourg offered valuable lessons.

Accessibility legislation is enforced rigorously, and compliance is regarded as a legal obligation rather than an optional aspiration. Responsibility for accessibility falls within the Ministry for the Family, ensuring coordinated planning and implementation across sectors.

This rights-based approach sends a clear message: accessibility is fundamental to participation, independence, and equality.

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Personal Assistance and Independent Living

The delegation also exchanged views on Personal Assistance and community living.

Interestingly, Luxembourg is currently developing legislation on Personal Assistance and Personal Budgets, driven by strong advocacy from disability organisations. Discussions highlighted the importance of designing support systems that enable persons with disabilities to live independently within their communities, fully reflecting the principles set out in Article 19 of the UNCRPD.

The exchange of experiences provided valuable perspectives for Malta as reforms in Personal Assistance continue to evolve.

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Bringing Good Practices Home

Study visits such as this are about much more than observing another country's policies. They provide opportunities to reflect on our own systems, challenge existing practices, and identify realistic solutions that can improve the lives of persons with disabilities in Malta.

Among the ideas that emerged from the visit were:

• stronger coordination between government ministries on disability matters;

• earlier and more meaningful involvement of disability organisations in policy development;

• greater flexibility within the education system;

• structured transition services from education to employment;

• stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms; and

• more effective enforcement of accessibility legislation.

These recommendations are fully aligned with MFOPD's vision of a society where persons with disabilities enjoy equal rights, equal opportunities, and full participation in every aspect of community life.

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Looking Ahead

International cooperation remains one of the most effective ways of advancing disability rights. By sharing experiences, learning from successful initiatives, and building lasting partnerships across Europe, we can continue to strengthen our advocacy and contribute to better policies for everyone.

 

MFOPD is grateful to our Luxembourg partners for their openness, hospitality, and willingness to share their experiences. The knowledge gained during this study visit will continue to inform our work as we advocate for a more inclusive Malta—one where no one is left behind.

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Because true inclusion is not achieved simply by passing laws. It is achieved when governments, civil society, and persons with disabilities work together to turn rights into everyday reality.