https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83350 Tue, 07 Apr 2026 04:15:13 GMT 2026-04-07T04:15:13Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83454 Title: Deaf people in Gozo : perceptions about their life experiences and quality of life Abstract: Although Malta and Gozo are separated by just five kilometres of water and share many characteristics, culture and lifestyle differ. Likewise, the life experiences of d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals living in Gozo may differ from the ones that Maltese d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals may have. Experiences of Gozitan d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals are undocumented, and the aim of this study is to find out the views on and awareness about the life experiences and quality of life of Gozitan d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. The participants provide insight into the issues that arise not just from living in a world which is constructed for the hearing, but also from being a d/Deaf or hard of hearing individual living in Gozo. A qualitative research approach was adopted and the research questions are answered by applying themes that were identified when analysing the data. These themes relate to the social model of disability as well as symbolic interaction theory, which comprised the conceptual framework. Of utmost importance was the theme regarding language acquisition, as this was relevant to all the other themes of this study. Other themes that emerged include accessibility and barriers, Deaf culture, as well as identity development. General findings show that language acquisition is crucial as it impacts most of the participants’ life experiences, especially those with a profound level of deafness. Different types of accessibility and attitudes, lack of awareness, the participants’ self-esteem, the type of support that they receive from their families, as well as the type of relationship they have with other people from different contexts also influence their experiences and quality of life. Finally, the study reflects the lack of awareness that Gozitan d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals themselves have about Deaf culture, and concludes that Gozitan d/Deaf and hard of hearing people would benefit if they were encouraged and supported to become involved in the running of Gozo’s organisation for d/Deaf and hard of hearing people. The study also concludes that forming a Deaf community with a shared language would instill a sense of belonging, which is of paramount importance for d/Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Description: M.A. (Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83454 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83423 Title: The lived experience of parents on disclosure that their baby has a disability : getting it right from the start Abstract: This study examines the experience of parents who lived through the disclosure that their baby has a disability. The nature of this qualitative study calls for an interpretative phenomenological approach. One-time in-depth interviews were carried out with five participants - two couples (postnatal disclosure) and one mother (prenatal disclosure). Analyses of the emerging themes brought to light how the parents gave meaning to their significant life changing event by reconstructing hope to emerge as a family like any other, facing their daily ups and downs, while never denying the added challenges that raising a child with an impairment brings about. Other themes that emerged relate to the participants’ experience of the disclosure process, both pre and post-natal, as well as the emotional and psychological effects they passed through. Among the salient findings is the coping and adjustment process that follow disclosure, as the parents embark on a different journey than they had anticipated - a journey that compels them to question their understanding of disability and perception of parenthood, as well as becoming advocates for their children in the hope that society truly becomes inclusive for everyone. The participants come to realise that despite the negative way the unexpected news was divulged to them, their child was the one they had always dreamed of having. By narrating a non-linear story of the disclosure of their child’s impairment, the participants hope to pass on the message to the professionals involved in breaking unexpected news that getting it right from the start goes a long way to pave the way for coping and adjusting later on and for the new parents to be able to celebrate the life of their child, just like any other parents might. Recommendations for future research and suggestions for policy and practice changes are also presented. Description: M.A. (Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83423 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83411 Title: Towards inclusive parishes : how do Maltese Catholic communities sustain the spiritual journey of disabled persons? Abstract: Diverse studies have brought forth the positive effect that religion and spirituality have on the physical and mental wellbeing of individuals and how disabled persons have come to terms with their impairments on the back of their religious beliefs (Johnstone, Glass & Oliver, 2007; Selway & Ashman, 1998). Numerous narratives have also been published wherein disabled persons talk extensively about their struggles and ongoing relationships with their religion (Coggins, 2017; Hume-Dawson, 2017; Mairs, 1993). Yet locally, no research has been undertaken to study how disabled persons reconcile their religious belief with their daily reality within the parish community. This study is a step in that direction. Malta is a predominantly Catholic country, where the Church has undoubtedly been at the forefront of institutional care for disabled persons. On the other hand, reviewing the themes found in contemporary literature with relation to disability and the Church, it emerges that disabled persons feel that, in general, they been left marginalised by faith communities. Embracing emancipatory disability research principles while adopting an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodology (Smith, Flowers & Larkin, 2009), this study set out to answer the question as to whether disabled persons feel that they are welcome within their local parish communities. The data was gathered through in-depth interviews with five individuals who have physical or sensory impairments and who are in the midtwenties to mid-forties age bracket. Through the interpretation of this data, the goal was to arrive at what it means for the participants to live their faith within their parish community. Three main themes emerged as recurring between all participants: disabled persons are seen as objects of pity, as opposed to full members of the community who have a lot of qualities to offer – they are talked about but not listened to; barriers to accessibility - be they physical, attitudinal or relating to communication - denote a Church that is discordant with Christ’s teaching and therefore lacks authenticity; lack of true friendship - perhaps as a result of the fear of the unknown – hinders their true participation within the community. On the other hand, for those participants who were accepted as equal members of the community right from their formative years, the experience has been very enriching, proving to be fruitful even to the community itself. Description: M.A. (Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83411 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83410 Title: Dance beyond therapy : the perceptions of individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers Abstract: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a neurological impairment, which changes the individual’s self-perception, way of life, the relationship dynamics that the person has with others and their caregivers’ lives. Recently, different forms of arts, in particular dance, were described to act as a source of empowerment and as an expression tool for disabled people (Ali, Cushey & Siddique, 2017). Although, these benefits were identified in various international research studies, locally there has been scarce research on the effects of dance on individuals with PD and their caregivers. Therefore, this research aims to identify (a) the challenges faced by individuals with PD and their caregivers following the development of PD and (b) the effects of attending dance classes, specifically to identify whether these classes are seen as beneficial solely for their therapeutic benefits, or if their benefits go beyond therapy. To achieve these objectives, a qualitative research approach was adopted, under a conceptual framework based on the social model of disability and the affirmative model of disability. Additionally, the emancipatory principles of disability were abided to as much as possible throughout the research process. Using case study methodology as my methodological framework, three case studies involving individuals with PD who attend dance classes and their caregivers, and observation sessions were carried out. With the objective of gathering information, semistructured interviews were carried out via Zoom with the individuals participating in the case studies, and several online classes were observed. Inductive thematic analysis was then used to extract themes and sub-themes. Overall, all the participants in this study acknowledged the benefits of attending dance classes. The benefits mentioned varied from acting as a source to resist dominant societal beliefs, to feeling beautiful. Moreover, participants felt that these dance classes gave them the opportunity to embrace PD as part of who they are and to form part of a wonderful family. Therefore, from what the participants shared; such dance classes are perceived to have a variety of positive impacts on the individuals’ lives that go beyond the therapeutic benefits that one can gain through dance. Finally, all the participants acknowledged the effects of their impairment, and societal challenges which they face in their lives, claiming that both factors motivated them to join dance classes. As a result of the findings, this study recommends that more disabled people should unite and make use of dance. Additionally, such findings should encourage individuals in society to view disability as a ‘difference’ that gives colour to our society and, therefore, should be accepted and celebrated. Description: M.A. (Melit.) Fri, 01 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83410 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z