Association of Maltese Sign Language Interpreters - AILSM

14/06/2026

AILSM made it to Gallaudet University Together with the representatives from Għaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigħ / Deaf People Association Malta, Aġenzija Sapport and the Directorate for Disability Issues - Malta, Sharon Mifsud and Rita Portelli spent the day here to learn more about a range of study areas and interesting topics. These included sign language education, Deaf studies, international student development and Deaf space. Of particular interest was the presentation and discussion offered by Mr Ritchie Bryant about Interpretation and Translation. We look forward to collaborating with Gallaudet University to explore training possibilities for our interpreters.

10/06/2026

🇺🇳 Tomorrow at the United Nations , AILSM will be represented on a panel alongside international experts at a landmark side event during CoSP19, the 19th Conference of States Parties to the CRPD.

The event, "10 Years of Maltese Sign Language Recognition, 20 Years of the CRPD: Celebrating Deaf Identity, Language, and Human Rights", brings together Deaf leaders, advocates, interpreters and policymakers from around the world to mark these two historic milestones.

📅 Thursday, 11 June 2026 | 13:15 – 14:30 (19:15 – 20:30 Malta time)
📍 Conference Room 6, UN Headquarters, New York
🔴 Watch live: https://teamup.com/kscueapdd7v1thgxrv/events/2077922588

06/06/2026

This year marks two significant milestones: 10 years since the recognition of Maltese Sign Language (LSM) and 20 years of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

To celebrate these achievements, AILSM will be participating in a side event alongside the Maltese Sign Language Council (KLSM) during the 19th Conference of States Parties to the CRPD at the United Nations on 11 June 2026.

The event will bring together Deaf organisations, advocates, experts, and community representatives from around the world to reflect on the progress made in advancing Deaf rights, language recognition, accessibility, and inclusion, while discussing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Together, we will celebrate Deaf identity, language, culture, and human rights, and highlight the importance of continued action towards a more inclusive society for all.

📅 11 June 2026
🕐 13:15-14:30 EDT | 19:15-20:30 CEST (Malta Time)
💻 Watch online: https://teamup.com/kscueapdd7v1thgxrv/events/2077922588
International Sign interpretation and closed captioning will be provided.



Permanent Mission of Malta to the United Nations New York
Kunsill tal-Lingwa tas-Sinjali Maltija / Maltese Sign Language Council
Għaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigħ / Deaf People Association Malta
Association of Maltese Sign Language Interpreters - AILSM
Aġenzija Sapport Mongolian Deaf Education European Union of the Deaf
World Federation of the Deaf Ry International Disability Alliance Directorate for Disability Issues - Malta

27/04/2026

Last Saturday, AILSM participated in EFSLI's online AGM. We are eager for this new roadmap so that we can continue to collaborate and learn from eachother 🙏

Our 2026 AGM is done ✅

It was our most efficient meeting yet, thanks to the groundwork laid at the in March. Voting was already done, which meant Saturday's Zoom session could focus on what matters: Charlotte Berthier's overview of our roadmap for 2026–29, voting results, and a look ahead.

Full Members voted on three priorities for 2026–29: quality assurance and CPD systems, legal recognition and professional status, and Deaf–interpreter alliances and trust building.

A warm welcome to Britta Durczok 🇩🇪 joining the efsli board, and ITSF (Interprètes et Traducteurs Sourds de France) 🇫🇷 as our newest Full Member 👋

14/03/2026

Last night AILSM joined Kunsill tal-Lingwa tas-Sinjali Maltija / Maltese Sign Language Council and Għaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigħ / Deaf People Association Malta in celebrating a 10 year milestone since the Maltese Sign Language Act. As the speakers rightly said, this was an occasion to celebrate the community, the language, the culture. Many thanks to the persons and entities who support LSM.

Photo descriptions:
AILSM board members posing with one of the ten tokens of appreciation awarded to different entities and individuals for being an ally of LSM and KLSM over the past 10 years.

AILSM members with Prof. Marie Alexander to whom we all owe the sign language interpreting profession here in Malta.

AILSM with Hon Minister Julia Farrugia, steadfast supporter of LSM accessibility and the Sign Language Interpreters Registration and Warranting Act.

Group photo of some members of the Deaf Community, celebrating this important milestone together.

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2026 to all our members and followers!

17/11/2025

We are delighted to share that the Bill on the Register and Warranting of Sign Language Interpreters has officially passed its third (and final) reading in the Maltese Parliament - with unanimous approval! 🎉

This landmark moment represents a major step forward for the sign language interpreting profession in Malta, establishing long-awaited standards, recognition and accountability through formal registration and warranting. It is a significant milestone not only for interpreters, but also for the Deaf community, whose right to high-quality, professional Maltese Sign Language (LSM) interpreting services across Malta and Gozo will now be enshrined in Maltese law.

Members of the Association of Maltese Sign Language Interpreters (AILSM) and Kunsill tal-Lingwa tas-Sinjali Maltija / Maltese Sign Language Council were honoured to be present for this historic moment, made possible through years of collaboration, consultation and shared commitment to advancing our profession.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Minister Hon. Julia Farrugia for her continued dedication and support throughout this journey.

Together, we have taken an important step towards strengthening both our profession and accessibility in Malta. 🤝✨



Directorate for Disability Issues - Malta Għaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigħ / Deaf People Association Malta Inklużjoni Aġenzija Sapport MaltaGov Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability - CRPD European Union of the Deaf European Forum of Sign Language Interpreters (efsli) World Association of Sign Language Interpreters (WASLI) Gozo Association for the Deaf World Federation of the Deaf Ry

15/11/2025

A big thank you to everyone who attended our Continuing Professional Development session, held in collaboration with the Għaqda Persuni Neqsin mis-Smigħ / Deaf People Association Malta.

Presenters Alison Vere and Rita Portelli shared their valuable research exploring Deaf people’s experiences of working with Maltese Sign Language interpreters in educational settings. The discussion that followed was both rich and engaging.

We’re excited to keep the dialogue going and to continue working together to improve access to sign language interpreting in all areas of life.

11/11/2025

Today, the Parliamentary Committee approved the Registration and Warranting of Sign Language Interpreters Bill 2025, with amendments.

A significant step toward strengthening inclusivity, professional standards, and the recognition of sign language interpreters.

We are now expecting the third and final reading soon!

Kunsill tal-Lingwa tas-Sinjali Maltija / Maltese Sign Language Council Directorate for Disability Issues - Malta Inklużjoni Julia Farrugia Aġenzija Sapport Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability - CRPD European Union of the Deaf World Federation of the Deaf Ry

02/11/2025