Dar Sant Anna in Isla has officially opened its doors, offering a welcoming and accessible home specifically designed for people with disabilities.The small residence builds on over two centuries of social service, now continuing its mission of inclusion and dignity through a 50-year lease granted to CareMalta, ensuring its ongoing use for social purposes.Those moving into Dar Sant Anna previously resided at Casa Apap Bologna in Mosta. This relocation is not merely a transfer of residence, but a tangible step towards a vision of full inclusion and community participation for people with disabilities.Malta has ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a historic commitment to a fairer and more inclusive society. Under this framework, the country is obliged to ensure that people with disabilities live as equal members of society, enjoying full rights alongside autonomy and control over their own lives.One of the most significant changes has been the process of deinstitutionalisation. The goal is to transform large institutional homes into smaller, community-based residences where individuals can thrive as part of their local surroundings. Dar Sant Anna exemplifies this principle, recognising residents for their humanity and aspirations rather than defining them by their disabilities.The transition is achieved through close collaboration between the government and the private sector, supported by non-governmental organisations and local community involvement. In this context, Agenzija Sapport plays a key role in driving the vision of inclusion, ensuring that changes are sustainable and tailored to the needs of each individual.During the inauguration ceremony, Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia highlighted the importance of deinstitutionalisation and the government’s commitment to building on the principles of the UN Convention. She noted that Dar Sant Anna represents a significant step in Malta’s journey towards a more just and inclusive society.Located in the heart of Cottonera and carrying over 200 years of social service history, the home now serves as a symbol of community values, recognising the worth of every person and placing them at the centre of social life. The Minister emphasised that disability policy in Malta aims to move away from large institutions, ensuring that people with disabilities not only have their rights recognised on paper but also enjoy real opportunities to exercise control over their lives and choices.Dar Sant Anna provides not only a safe and comfortable environment but also brings residents closer to their families, everyday community life, and programmes or centres they attend, promoting a life of dignity and inclusion rather than segregation.Natalie Briffa Farrugia, Chairperson of Vassallo Group, explained that through the generosity of Nicola and Madalena Dingli, who established the home, and the collaboration between the government, the Church, and the private sector, Dar Sant Anna has been revitalised to achieve its social mission, prioritising the well-being and dignity of its residents.Janet Silvio, Chief Executive of HILA, added that the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to empowering individuals through choice, developing personal skills, and supporting inclusive living. She noted that the transition took several months, and residents now feel happier and far more integrated within the community.Credit: Daniel Scicluna via DOI•