News
X’Inhu l-Milied Għalik? - LSM Christmas Video
December 2020
This year, the committee together with friends and members from the Deaf community, have created a Christmas song video in Maltese Sign Language. The song that was choosen was “X’Inhu l-Milied Għalik?” by The Travellers
We would like to thank all those that participated and take the opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas!
Mediterranean Union Deaf Youth - Online Meeting
October 2020
Our Vice President Emma Ripard Xuereb participated in a online meeting to discuss the start of the MUDY project.
International Sign Language Day
October 2020
This year various KLSM & DPAM members participated in various activates for International Sign Language Day
DPAM President Annabelle Xerri attended a press conference held at PBS by Minister Hon. Carmelo Abela to mark the International Day for Sign Language. The LSM video campaign was also introduced during this press conference.
The video campaign kicked off on this day, broadcasting 3 video clips which were recorded on 18th September 2020 by various Deaf members. Click to read the full article.
KLSM and DPAM invited Deaf person Melissa Aquilina to participate in an interview on the TVM program Ras ImbRas to discuss her personal experience as a Deaf youth. Click to see the full interview.
PBS also broadcast a feature with Professor Marie Alexander about the LSM dictionary. Click to read the full article.
Annabelle Xerri also attended a short interview on the evening news with journalist Keith Demicoli.
Comedians Dan and San published a humorous video in conjunction with the European Commission Representation in Malta, to raise awareness about the importance of sign language. Deaf member Dorianne Callus together with a sign language interpreter, participated in this video production. This was a success. Click to watch the video.
Aġenzija Sapport - Online Workshops for parents
May 2020
Aġenzija Sapport is doing a series of FREE online workshops for parents of children and adults with disability. These are being held every Tuesday at 14:00.
The sixth session will discuss Dealing with stress & anxiety during Covid-19
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE SESSIONS ARE IN MALTESE*
Join the session by clicking here.
EUD - Covid-19 National Associations Meeting
Meeting for the Camp for Young DeafBlind Europeans
May 2020
Our Vice President Emma Ripard Xuereb participated in a online meeting to discuss the start of the MUDY project.Our President Loran Ripard Xuereb in an organizational meeting for the Camp for Young DeafBlind Europeans. Loran makes part of The The EDbU – The European Deafblind Union’s Organizing Committee Team for the Camp for Young DeafBlind Europeans (Beligium 2021).
Melissa Aquilina, Deaf 15 year old wants to become the first Deaf MP
March 2019 – Lovin Malta Article
15 year old Melissa Aquilina the winner of #TakingTheLead, met Junior Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli and Minister Helena Dalli to discuss the issues facing the deaf community and suggest policies that could improve their lives. PM Joseph Muscat also had warm words for her courage.
LSM Tutor Course (October 2014) Call for Applications
Deaf people who are fluent in Maltese Sign Language (LSM) are invited to apply for an LSM Tutor Training Course to be held in October 2014 (please see above video for further information). The project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of MSV Life along with the University of Malta’s Institute of Linguistics, Prof. Marie Alexander, Dr. Luigi Lerose and Mr. Clark Denmark. Interested persons are requested to contact: info@deafmalta.com as soon as possible to register their interest.
Summer BBQ
Photography Competition for Deaf People Organised By ENS Trani (Italy)
June 2014
Calling all budding photographers, ENS Trani, a regional branch of the Italian Deaf Association has organised a photography competition for Deaf people.
More information and registration documents (in both English and Italian) can be downloaded below:
Deaf Association Joins the Platform of Human Rights Organisations in Malta (PHROM)
May 2014
The Deaf People Association (Malta) is delighted to form part of the Platform of Human Rights Organisations in Malta, Malta’s first & only national human rights coalition. We look forward to working together.
could improve their lives. PM Joseph Muscat also had warm words for her courage.
European Union of the Deaf's General Assembly and Workshops
May 2014
President Steven Mulvaney and Alison Vere represented the Deaf People Association at the European Union of the Deaf (EUD)’s General Assembly (GA) and Workshops held in Athens, Greece. More information about the GA, the INSIGN workshop and the Seminar in conjunction with the Hellenic Association of the Deaf can be found on the EUD’s website: www.eud.eu
Deaf People Association Sign Song LIVE on L-Istrina
Members of the Deaf People Association performed a translation of the popular song ‘Stay’ by Rihanna in Maltese Sign Language live on National Television (TVM) to raise funds for this year’s L-Istrina. Well done to all involved!
President's Christmas Mass 2013
24th December 2013
Deaf People Association Members were invited to attend the President’s Mass on Christmas Eve. The Children’s Sermon was performed by 4 children, one of whom is Deaf and a Member of our Association. It is the first time that Maltese Sign Language has been used at the President’s Mass. Melissa signed very well and made everyone very proud.
Brava Melissa!
Thank you also to the Interpreters and Fr. Martin for making it all happen
Give a Sign of Silence - EU Project in Turkey
Deaf People Association President Steven Mulvaney, Board Member Keith Callus, former Board Member Matthew Pace and LSM Interpreter Sharon Grech were selected to participate in a EU Lifelong Learning Programme 2013 Grundtvig Workshop on International Sign Language in Istanbul, Turkey.
President's Christmas Mass 2013
24th December 2013
Deaf People Association Members were invited to attend the President’s Mass on Christmas Eve. The Children’s Sermon was performed by 4 children, one of whom is Deaf and a Member of our Association. It is the first time that Maltese Sign Language has been used at the President’s Mass. Melissa signed very well and made everyone very proud.
Brava Melissa!
Thank you also to the Interpreters and Fr. Martin for making it all happen
LSM Video Project with Rotary La Valette Malta
The Deaf People Association Malta has started a project in conjunction with Rotary La Valette Malta. The project will include workshops to train Deaf people in presenting, video editing and film production. The first workshop will be held on the 11th and 12th January 2013.
More information coming soon
Malta Represented at LESICO Conference, Prague
Maltese Sign Language teacher Karl Borg represented Malta at ‘LESICO’ the International Conference of Sign Language Teachers” which was held in Prague, Czech Republic, on 18th – 20th October 2013.
European Day of Languages 2013
Monday 30th September 2013
Deaf People Association (Malta) members had a great day at the European Day of Languages held at Tigne Point last Saturday. Members taught basic Maltese Sign Language (LSM) to participants and promoted upcoming events. The Association’s stand was visited by the Hon. Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education who later pledged his support to Deaf people on his social network profiles. Thanks to all those who helped on the stand and all the others who came to support the event. We also thank the Għaqda Tal-Malti for inviting us to participate in the event and look forward to working together in the future.
Miss and Mister Deaf International 2013
Loran Xuereb and Emma Ripard had a great experience at Miss/Mister Deaf International 2013 held in Sofia, Bulgaria. “We made lots of new friends” they said. “But Bulgaria didn’t feel as safe as Malta” they added.
There were many different people from all over the world and the level of competition was high and the judges had a hard job choosing a winner!
We had to practice walking on the catwalk and we spent almost a week learning the different dance routines. We had workout in the gym everyday at 7am to earn points. Loran won 4th place in Mister Deaf Europe and came 7th place in Mister Deaf International. Emma does not know of her ranking because Miss Deaf International have not released any results yet. Emma and Loran are looking forward to future events and are preparing a Miss/Mister Deaf Malta competition for 2014!
Deaf People Association Members attend BL Festival
11th September 2013
Members of the Deaf People Association (Malta) attended the Breaking Limits Arts and Sports Festival held at Corradino last weekend. The festival included a number of sports workshops and discussions between policy makers and stakeholders from across the local disability sector. We thank Breaking Limits for making the event accessible to Maltese Sign Language (LSM) users and look forward to working together in the future.
Deaflympics 2013
Members of the Deaf People Association (Malta) attended the Breaking Limits Arts and Sports Festival held at Corradino last weekend. The festival included a number of sports workshops and discussions between policy makers and stakeholders from across the local disability sector. We thank Breaking Limits for making the event accessible to Maltese Sign Language (LSM) users and look forward to working together in the future.
Malta Deaf Sports Association participated in the 2013 Deaflympics in Sofia. The sporting event is held every 4 years and is specifically for deaf people. This year’s event took place in Sofia, Bulgaria from 26th July – 5th August. Mr George Vella qualified for the 3rd time and represented Malta in the 400m and 800m athletics events. Mr Vella did well in the heats with athletes from much larger countries and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the semi-finals by just 0.3 seconds. His results were comparable with hearing athletes representing Malta at a national level. Mr Vella was also able to represent Malta the the Annual General Meeting of the International Deaf Sports Committee. We congratulate Mr Vella on his sporting success and thank him for his work with Deaf Sports Malta.
Maltese Sign Language Courses Open for Registration
Monday 19th August 2013
We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for LSM evening courses starting in October.
There are two levels of Maltese Sign Language available this year.
Level 1 LSM (for absolute beginners) is available at Blata l-Bajda and Birgu while Level 2 (for those who have already completed Level 1) is available at Blata l-Bajda.
Classes will be held once a week and will continue for 14 weeks.
The courses are taught by experienced Deaf LSM teachers Mr Karl Borg and Mrs Dorianne Callus. Registration closes on 6th September 2013. More information can be found on the Lifelong Learning Courses website: http://lifelonglearning.gov.mt Places are limited so don’t delay – apply now online!
Successful Joint EUD/Deaf Association Briefing held on Sign Language Legislation in the EU.
Wednesday 31st July 2013
Saturday’s briefing on Sign Language Legislation in the EU was a great success and has already been covered by a number of local media outlets (click here) including TVM. The briefing was chaired by Deaf People Association President Steven Mulvaney and presenters included the Hon. Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity, Marie Louise Coliero Preca and Hon. MP Claudette Buttigieg. Hon. Claudette Buttigieg opened her address by signing ‘GOOD MORNING’ and Hon. Marie Louise Coliero Preca invited the Deaf Association to meet to discuss the steps needed to recognise Maltese Sign Language. EUD Policy Officer Annika Pabsch then gave an overview of the types of Sign Language Legislation that can be found in other countries. Mr Fred Bezzina and Prof. Marie Alexander then read a speech on behalf of Maltese Sign Language Lecturers Mr Karl Borg and Mrs Dorianne Callus (as they were unable to attend in person) giving an overview of sign language teaching in Malta and current challenges. Both politicians pledged their full support to the Maltese Deaf Community and have agreed to work together to increase access for Deaf people in Malta.
Very Positive Meeting with MEP Roberta Metsola
Friday 19th July 2013
Members of the Deaf People Association yesterday met with MEP Roberta Metsola at her office in Valletta. They discussed the rights of Deaf People in the EU and agreed to work together to increase access to information in LSM and to increase accessibility for Deaf people locally.
BOFF Film Festival - Bologna, Italy
Steven Mulvaney, Alison Vere and Loran Xuereb travelled to Bologna to participate in the BOFF Film Festival as part of our Deaf Film Project (in conjunction with Kinemastik. They presented the project’s short film made as part of the ‘Subtitles Now’ campaign and shared Vidut Latay’s film ‘Beyond Silence’ about Deaf People in India. Afterwards there was a debate about Deaf Cinema and Deaf Culture. Participants also had the chance to visit ‘Bar Senza Nome’ a bar run by Deaf people in the centre of Bologna.
Thanks to Cineporta and Kinemastik for making it happen.
Deaflympics 2013: George Vella to Represent Malta
Former Deaf People Association President and Board member George Vella has successfully qualified for the Deaflympics in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is the only Deaflympian to represent Malta this year and will carry the Maltese flag at the opening ceremony. Mr Vella’s preferred sporting event is the triathlon however he decided to focus on athletics as the triathlon does not yet feature in the Deaflympics. He will be participating in two athletics events the 400m (1 lap) & 800m (2 laps). We wish him the best of luck! Read more about George Vella’s sporting achievements, the Deaflympics and how you can support him here.
Eden Cinemas Announce Two Subtitled Showings A Week
The Deaf People Association (Malta) is delighted to announce that Eden Cinemas in St Julians will now show two subtitled showings each week. Eden started showing a weekly subtitled film after the launch of our Subtitles Now (Malta) campaign last year. The second showing will make it easier for Deaf and hard of hearing people to find a screening to suit them. The addition of a mid-week slot is especially beneficial for people who have to work at the weekends.
This is fantastic news for the Maltese Deaf Community and we thank Eden for their continued support. Read more about our Subtitles Now (Malta) campaign here or find details of this week’s subtitled screenings here.
German Visitors - June 2013
Members from the Deaf People Association (Malta) enjoyed a pizza night with a group of German Deaf people in Buġibba. The group were visiting Malta and Gozo for a week with a German Sign Language Interpreter. It was great to spend time together and learn a bit of DGS (German Sign Language). Thanks to everyone who came.
World Fest 2013
On Saturday 25th May 2013 the Deaf People Association (Malta) participated in the World Fest 2013 held in Upper Barrakka Gardens. It was a great day featuring many other associations and NGOs working towards similar aims. We gave out a lot of information about Maltese Sign Language (LSM) and the Deaf Club. We also sold t-shirts and earrings with all proceeds going to support the Deaf Association’s work. Thanks to Koperattiva Kummerc Gust for organising the event and thanks to all the Deaf Association members who came to help on the stand and who brought their friends and families to enjoy the festival. We look forward to joining in again next year!
EUD General Assembly 2013
Deaf People Association President Steven Mulvaney and Board Member Keith Callus represented Malta at the European Union of the Deaf’s General Assembly held in Dublin, Ireland. This year the EUD held elections for their new board. There was also a seminar organised by the Irish Deaf Society.
Gozo Association of the Deaf Celebrates 25 Years
Deaf People Association (Malta) president Steven Mulvaney, board members Keith Callus & Alison Vere and member Annabelle Cauchi had the pleasure of celebrating Gozo Association of the Deaf’s 25 year anniversary at the GAD headquarters in Victoria, Gozo. The Bishop of Gozo celebrated a thanksgiving mass and a commemorative booklet was launched. Annabelle Cauchi shared her experiences of growing up deaf in Gozo and GAD Secretary Carmen Grech gave a presentation about the association’s work. We congratulate the GAD on their work so far and look forward to working together over the next 25 years.
More information about the GAD can be found on their website: http://www.gadngo.com/
Maltese Sign Language Represented at the PRO-Signs Conference in Graz, Austria
Monday 29th April 2013
Maltese Sign Language (LSM) lecturer and Deaf People Association member Dorianne Callus recently represented Malta at the PRO-SIGN Conference in Graz, Austria. The PRO-Signs project aims to establish European standards for signed language proficiency for professional purposes, focusing specifically on sign language teaching in Deaf Studies and Sign Language Interpreting programmes. The project will provide definitions of Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) proficiency levels for signed languages and develop a sample assessment kit for signed language competency at all levels.
More information can be found at the PRO-Signs website: http://www.ecml.at/F5/tabid/867/language/en-GB/Default.aspx
Deaf People Association (Malta) Now Registered with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ
Wednesday 10th April 2013
We are pleased to announce that the Deaf People Association is now registered with Aġenzija Żgħażagħ. Our registration number is: AZ/104/2013. We look forward to working together in the future.
More info about AZ and their current projects can be found on their website: http://www.youthinfo.gov.mt
EUD Board 2013-2017 Nominations Announced
The European Union of the Deaf (EUD) have announced candidates nominated for the EUD Board 2013-2017. Details of candidates (in English and International Sign) can be found here.
Elections will be held at this year’s General Assembly in Dublin, Ireland from the 16th-19th May. Deaf People Association president Steven Mulvaney and board member Keith Callus will represent Malta.
You can follow the EUD Board elections live on the EUD’s website on Saturday 18th May from 17:00 – 19:00 (Maltese Time).
Deaf People Association Represented at Human Library 2013
5th February 2013
Deaf Association President Steven Mulvaney and member Loran Xuereb represented the Deaf People Association at the ‘Human Library’ at Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary in Naxxar. The idea of a ‘Human Library’ came from the Sociology Department at the Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School, Naxxar.
People representing different sections of society who frequently face prejudice came to its library to share their stories and stimulate discussion with students.
“It’s ultimately a celebration of diversity,” said sociology lecturer Roberta Scerri. “We invited members of various organisations to act as human books. Each book has a story to tell and so do these people. Other organisations represented included: Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem, the Jesuit Refugee Service Malta, the National Commission Persons with Disability (KNPD), Narcotics Anonymous and the University of Malta LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) Society
EveryBuddy Matters
15th December 2012
Members of the Deaf Association joined a group of young people and adults from the Salesian Pastoral Youth Service (SPYS) in Valletta to promote a message of inclusion. Members led a series of Signed Songs in Republic Street. EveryBuddy Matters is a project funded by the EU’s ‘Youth in Action’ Programme in collaboration with the Valletta Local Council, Deaf People Association, Kooperattiva Kummerc Gust and the Sliema Salesian Oratory
http://spysmalta.org/everybuddymatters/sessions/pressrel.html
Barrakka Lift Opens - A new way to get from Valletta to Deaf Club
15th December 2012
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi opened the new Barrakka Lift which was built to replace the old lift which was taken down in 1983. The project cost €2.5 million and was part-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
The lift is 58 metres high and can carry 800 people an hour. It has two cabins which can carry 21 passengers each. The lift takes around 25 seconds to go from the Lascaris Ditch (next to Deaf Club) to Upper Barrakka (Valletta).
Children's Christmas Party
14th December 2012
Eleven children and their parents came to enjoy an evening of Christmas crafts, games and party food at the Deaf Club.
Father Christmas also made a special visit and gave out presents. Thanks to everyone who helped out!
The lift is 58 metres high and can carry 800 people an hour. It has two cabins which can carry 21 passengers each. The lift takes around 25 seconds to go from the Lascaris Ditch (next to Deaf Club) to Upper Barrakka (Valletta).
Fr. Cyril Arrives in Malta
5th December 2012
Deaf-blind priest Father Cyril Axelrod has arrived in Malta as a guest of the Deaf Ministry Team within the Diocesan Commission for Disabled Persons in the Maltese Archdiocese.
He will share experiences of his extraordinary life in a meeting with the general public on the 14th December at 7pm at the Parish Church of Qrendi. All welcome.
President Steven Mulvaney Represents Malta at the European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities
4th December 2012
Deaf People Association President, Steven Mulvaney was selected by the KNPD to represent Malta at the Conference for the European Day of Persons with Disabilities .
To mark European Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, the European Commission holds an annual policy conference on 3-4 December, in close cooperation with the European Disability Forum. The conference is part of the EU’s wider efforts to promote the mainstreaming of disability issues in line with the EU Disability Strategy 2010-2020 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). This year’s Conference focussed on the active participation of persons with disabilities in different areas of public life, such as politics, media and sports.
President Steven Mulvaney Represents Malta at the European Parliament of Persons with Disabilities
3rd December 2012
Committee members Keith Callus, Alison Vere and George Vella attended the launch of KNPD`s 25th anniversary DVD at the Westin Dragonara Resort in St Julians. Speakers included: KNPD Chairman Mr Joseph M. Camilleri, Hon Dr. Chris Said, Hon Dr. Justyne Caruana and Rev. Dott. Joe Borg. The documentary style DVD highlighted the change in disability services locally, evolving from charity-based to rights based service provision.