https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/20012 2026-10-08T10:00:26Z 2026-10-08T10:00:26Z Bezzina Ouattara, Lara Žutautaitė, Justina Belafatti, Fabio Paulauskaitė, Elma https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149850 2026-10-08T09:29:25Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Fostering employment through sheltered workshops : reality, trends and next steps Authors: Bezzina Ouattara, Lara; Žutautaitė, Justina; Belafatti, Fabio; Paulauskaitė, Elma Abstract: In recent years, more sheltered workshops across the EU have started embracing the principles enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). However, the disparities in the national legal frameworks, the lack of uniformity and the different sensibilities existing in the EU Member States with respect to this specific model have provoked dissimilar realities at local level; and the transition towards the full compliance with the UNCRPD has moved at distinct paces. The present study assesses the situation of sheltered workshops across the EU at present, especially with regard to article 27 of the UNCRPD. It then explores in detail the situation in seven countries: Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain.; In terms of legal frameworks, the clearest requirements for sheltered workshops come from the UN through the UNCPRD and General Comment n.8. These, in combination with previous UN praxis in recommendations to Member States, have delineated an increasingly critical view of the sector, up to the point of recommending its phasing out. However, UN regulatory documents are not without shortcomings, especially in the way they classify organisations as “sheltered workshops”, which is arguably too broad and not nuanced enough to capture the vast differences and good practices that exist within the sector, especially as far as social economy actors are concerned. EU-level regulations, although supposed to follow the spirit of UN ones, are still “playing catch up”: their approach still lacks clear consensus on definitions and on the future plans for the sector. EU Member States’ legislative instruments are highly diverse, as some countries tightly regulate the sector, whereas others do not. In many cases, legal loopholes at Member States’ level allow the development of areas of incompliance with international regulations.; With regard to sheltered workshops in practice, this study found that across the EU, there are insufficient, or poorly suited, policy measures to encourage mainstream employers to hire persons with disabilities. This, coupled with unfavourable conditions in the open labour market as well as extensive financial support from the state for sheltered labour market participants, is contributing to the growth of the sheltered labour market. Meanwhile, sheltered workshops across the EU are governed by a range of different entities, including for-profit, not-for profit (including cooperatives), and collaborations with for-profit entities.; Sheltered workshops’ compliance with the UNCRPD varies, depending also on the type of organisation and its goals and activities. Segregation is inevitably present in the settings of a sheltered workshops; however, an increasing share of workers work outside the facilities. Findings from the seven country case studies show that employment choices of persons with disabilities are often guided not by preference, but by what is available and considered the “default” option. While some persons with disabilities prefer working in sheltered workshops, they might not be fully aware of alternative choices. However, some persons with disabilities prefer sheltered workshops due to a more welcoming, low-pressure environment and person-tailored support in comparison to the open labour market. [extract]

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Bezzina Ouattara, Lara Miller, Melissa https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149813 2026-10-07T14:24:46Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Identifying opportunities for innovation in disability and older age inclusion Authors: Bezzina Ouattara, Lara; Miller, Melissa Abstract: People with disabilities and older people continue to face significant barriers in humanitarian crises – barriers that prevent them from accessing vital services, engaging in decision-making, and receiving tailored support. This report, developed in collaboration with Policy Impact Lab (PIL), provides an updated gap analysis on disability and older age inclusion (DOAI) in humanitarian response, identifying key challenges and opportunities for innovation. Building on our 2020 analysis, this study examines how well recent guidelines have been implemented, where gaps persist and what solutions can drive meaningful change. Through in-depth research and field consultations in Kenya, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and the Philippines, we explore the lived experiences of affected individuals and propose actionable strategies to make humanitarian response more inclusive and effective.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Bezzina Ouattara, Lara https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149809 2026-10-07T14:09:47Z 2019-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Disabled people’s organisations and the disability movement : perspectives from Burkina Faso Authors: Bezzina Ouattara, Lara Abstract: Background: In Burkina Faso, the disability movement is rather weak, both in terms of funding and staffing – its range does not extend far outside the capital city and is largely dependent on international non-governmental organisations (INGOs). Despite the huge number of grassroots disabled people’s organisations (DPOs), many of these organisations do not function beyond the occasional meeting and celebration of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The reasons for this are various, including dependency on external funding (such as from international organisations), lack of access to resources, being dependent on voluntary members, and lack of organisation.; Objectives: This article looks at the functioning of – and politics governing – DPOs in Burkina Faso, their significance in the lives of people with disabilities and the challenges they encounter.; Method: This article is based on research findings obtained through interviews conducted with people with disabilities, as well as INGOs working with people with disabilities and state authorities in Burkina Faso.; Results: Evidence suggests that the farther people with disabilities are from the capital, the lesser are their chances of being heard and of being involved in decision-making. However, DPOs offer a haven for many, offering people with disabilities solace in meeting other members and finding a sense of belonging in these associations. Others give importance to the role of DPOs in raising awareness and human rights advocacy.; Conclusion: Finally, the article raises the question as to what the future of DPOs in Burkina Faso might entail.

2019-01-01T00:00:00Z Aliyeva, Zarina Bezzina Ouattara, Lara Taghiyeva, Leyla https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149806 2026-10-07T13:54:05Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Disability support in Malta and Azerbaijan : focus on autism Authors: Aliyeva, Zarina; Bezzina Ouattara, Lara; Taghiyeva, Leyla Abstract: This article explores learning from cross-country exchanges between professionals and parents of disabled children in Malta and Azerbaijan, focusing on support currently being provided for children and adults with autism. In addition to exploring autism services through these exchanges, we also reflect on the importance of sustaining cross-country collaboration and sharing ideas for service development in different contexts.

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