Inspire Foundation, Malta’s leading NGO dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, is commemorating a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of its acclaimed STAR Programme. Over the past decade, Inspire’s STAR Programme has played a pivotal role in empowering and improving the lives of adults with disabilities through its comprehensive range of interventions and personalized support.

The STAR, which stands for Specialized Therapy and Re/habilitation Programme at Inspire is designed to cater specifically to a group of young men and women with profound multiple learning disabilities. These individuals require tailored interventions that address their unique needs, and Inspire’s professional multi-disciplinary team works diligently to establish and pursue objectives that foster growth, independence, and fulfilment.

Delivering exceptional service is at the core of the STAR Programme’s success. The programme operates for 30 hours per week, delivered by dedicated Care workers across 45 weeks in a year. To ensure comprehensive support, traditional and complementary therapeutic interventions are conducted jointly with tutors, including the use of specialised areas such as Multisensory rooms, hippotherapy involving horses instructors, and hydrotherapy with the latest addition of a hydrobath.

Participants of the STAR Programme experience a multitude of benefits that positively impact their lives. Through this transformative initiative, clients gain enhanced self-awareness and self-esteem, enabling them to build more meaningful relationships and better interact with others. The programme emphasizes the importance of healthy living, and participants undergo comprehensive mobility training to promote independence and physical well-being. Additionally, improved motor skills and orientation, along with heightened sensory skills and levels of arousal, further enhance their quality of life. The STAR Programme also provides ample opportunities for enjoyment, relaxation, and self-expression, fostering a sense of joy and fulfilment in their daily lives.

Roswita Vella, Manager of the STAR programme at Inspire Foundation said: “Our aim at STAR is to help clients reach their full potential and fulfill their objectives. What brings me joy is their innocence and the sense of being a part of one big family. Looking ahead, we envision STAR further developing its focus on providing the therapy that clients need to achieve even greater goals. At Inspire we want to empower our clients to be independent and take care of themselves. In the years to come, we anticipate the STAR programme offering more amenities and the ability to transport clients anywhere they desire, enabling them to experience outings just like anyone else.”

The STAR Programme is specifically tailored for individuals aged 22 years and older, who face profound and complex neurological, motor, and sensory difficulties. Inspire Foundation remains committed to serving this community by providing comprehensive, person-centred support that fosters independence, improved life skills, and modified behaviour for better adaptation.

As Inspire Foundation proudly celebrates 10 years of the STAR Programme, it is good to reflect on the countless success stories and the enduring impact made in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Looking ahead, Inspire remains committed to pushing boundaries, evolving its services, and empowering even more individuals to lead fulfilling lives, however this is only made possible by the gratuitous donations provided by altruistic individuals, organisations and businesses. 

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For more information about the STAR Programme and Inspire Foundation – including how one can aid in supporting the continuation of this programme, please visit www.inspire.org.mt or contact Charlene Borg at 2092 8100 or charlene.borg@inspire.org.mt.