https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/6400 2026-10-07T18:55:43Z 2026-10-07T18:55:43Z 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.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Bezzina Ouattara, Lara https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149803 2026-10-07T13:04:40Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Using participatory video in researching livelihoods in the global south : the why and wherefore Authors: Bezzina Ouattara, Lara Abstract: The practice of participatory video (PV) has grown in popularity as a research method and tool used by both academics and practitioners (Milne et al., 2012). It involves a group of people designing and making their own film (Lunch and Lunch, 2006), enabling them to convey their ideas without the limitations that may be set by the participant’s societal status or the fear of possible adverse consequences one may face from communicating controversial views (White, 2003). While PV is not unique in creating spaces for participants’ voices to be heard or in con tributing towards action for development (Roberts and Lunch, 2015), Johansson et al. (1999) argue that one would be hard-pressed to envisage a method that is more effective in under standing people’s perspectives than producing, watching, discussing, and analysing the PV with them. Within this framework, PV has been widely used as a method to research livelihoods in the Global South, varying in scope from enabling marginalised women in Nepal to formulate the support they need to adapt to climate change (Khamis et al., 2009) and researching disabled people’s income-generating activities (IGAs) in Burkina Faso (Bezzina, 2020), to exploring the role of social memory for natural resource management in Guyana (Mistry et al., 2014) and recognising the importance of recycling cooperatives in Brazil (Tremblay and de Oliveira Jayme, 2015). These cases, among others, illustrate the importance of PV – and participation – in social transformation and, consequently, in researching livelihoods in contexts where marginalised people’s voices are not always heard. Participatory action research (PAR) approaches – of which PV forms part – create spaces where the participants take charge of the research process and reflect upon the action needed to improve their situations (McTaggart, 1997). Nonetheless, PV is not without its limitations, and its critiques need to be taken into account in order to maximise its potential and ensure that it benefits everyone involved. This chapter begins by describing the participatory video process, its history, and current use. The second part then focuses on PV in researching and understanding livelihoods in Global South contexts, including critiques of such approaches. Lastly, the chapter refects on the future of PV as a useful tool in the hands of those who are usually ‘invisible’, in influencing policy and decision-making processes that affect their means of survival.

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z