Understanding disability politics in Malta: new directions explored
Andrew Azzopardi
Abstract
In this poster exhibition, I do not mean to write in any authoritative capacity. I recognise my position as a non-disabled researcher.
Eventually, my responsibility is to document trends and inclinations in the development of the Disability Movement in Malta. Foremost importance will be given to the new generation of young disabled activists I have interviewed in my fieldwork. The backbone of what is presented here is achieved through the analysis of fieldwork outcomes, literature review and personal reflections I have amassed.
I will also set out to document the historical context of disability politics in Malta, appraise fieldwork findings, attempt to define disability politics in Malta and explore potential new avenues. I hope that by identifying contentious debates of disabled activists, I would be able to chart the future of disability politics and the disability movement in Malta. My work will ultimately prove futile if it is not critically recognised by the disabled community and so my research findings were audited by members of the disability community.
Don't assume that your version of what the change should be is the one that could or should be implemented. You have to change your reality of what should be through interaction with others ...Conflict and disagreement are ... fundamental to change ... Effective change takes time ... Don't expect all, or even most, people or groups to change. Progress occurs by increasing the number of people affected (Robson, 1993, p. 443).
There is still a long way ahead. Young disabled activists have realised that politicisation is necessary, getting organised inevitable and a disability movement essential. I have made a full-circle in my research. I left from the position where I was exploring the possibility of disability coalition as a possible and tangible alternative. I am now at a point where disabled people want to re-claim their rights and to have complete control over their life. The old methods are no longer valid, it is action, presence, formation and power that disabled people want. Ultimately, compromise is not acceptable but management of "their own lives".
It is action that we want ...we need to become more forceful and assertive ... if necessary we have to strap ourselves to public transport buses, protest in front of the office of the Prime Minister... we have to be activists ready to go all the way, determined to see changes (Disabled Activist).
Understanding disability politics requires new directions!