About MUFFIN
The Marine, Underwater and Fish For Inclusion” (MUFFIN) Erasmus+ project no. 2023-1-MT01-KA220-YOU-000151972, co-financed by the European Union, aims to improve the inclusion of Deaf youth in marine-related contexts — from museums to aquariums and schools — by creating new, previously non-existent signs for identifying marine species.
Both Deaf youth and adults will be provided with tools to better understand the sea and oceans through these new signs, which will be accompanied by professional learning videos presenting 50 marine species. Additionally, participants will gain access to 25 educational videos focusing on the most iconic species from the list, offering a deeper understanding of marine life.
MUFFIN will also produce a marine education manual for Deaf youth, featuring the newly created signs along with clear explanations and examples designed to engage young native users of sign language.
The core goal of the project is to promote the inclusion of Deaf individuals by enhancing their access to specialized knowledge about the marine environment. By making this information more accessible and appealing, the MUFFIN project will be a valuable resource for aquariums, natural science museums, educators, and sign language interpreters
MUFFIN: Celebrating Accessible Marine Education
On 26 June 2026, Deaf People Association Malta held an event at the Paola Volunteer Centre as part of the Erasmus+ MUFFIN project, Marine, Underwater and Fish for Inclusion.
The programme featured a workshop on newly created signs, a presentation of the project’s results and the premiere of an educational film, supporting more accessible marine education for the Deaf community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Explore some moments from the event in the photos below.
Exploring Marine Life in Maltese Sign Language
On 30 May, participants joined a guided boat trip in Maltese Sign Language (LSM) as part of the Erasmus+ MUFFIN project.
With guidance from an expert marine biologist, the trip offered an accessible opportunity to learn about marine life, alongside a swimming stop and time to socialise.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Take a look at some highlights from the day in the photos below.
Bringing Sign Language Underwater
In May 2026, Deaf volunteers and diving instructors came together in Gozo for a MUFFIN diving experience, in collaboration with Nature Trust, Ċirkewwa Marine Park and Ritual Explore Diving School in Xlendi.
Following an introductory diving course in a swimming pool, participants worked on adapting and filming 15 MUFFIN signs for underwater use. Deaf participants also taught marine life signs to diving instructors, supporting communication and making diving more accessible to the Deaf community.
MUFFIN’s Final Transnational Meeting
The Erasmus+ MUFFIN project concluded its third and final transnational meeting with three days of collaboration focused on environmental education, inclusion and Deaf empowerment.
Held jointly with the BANOFFEE project, the meeting brought partners together to share MUFFIN’s final results and exchange ideas on making nature and biodiversity education more accessible to the Deaf community.
For a glimpse of the meeting and its activities, watch the video shared by Sordapicena on social media.
Visit to the National Aquarium
In April 2026, participants visited the National Aquarium for a guided tour in Maltese Sign Language (LSM), organised as part of the Erasmus+ MUFFIN project.
The visit offered an accessible opportunity to explore marine life and learn about underwater biodiversity, bringing the Deaf community together through a shared educational experience.
