AX Foundation, the charitable arm of AX Group in collaboration with the Directorate for Disability Issues (DDI) within the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector and the Autism Advisory Council, chaired by Dr. Alistair Degaetano successfully hosted a three-day conference focused on improving employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals. Setting a collaborative tone for the days ahead, Mr Joe Borg, Deputy Chairperson of AX Foundation, welcomed and addressed guests, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to fostering inclusivity in the workplace.
This pilot initiative, supported by Specialisterne Ireland, AVPA and Prisms Malta centered on training officials and frontliners from Aġenzija Sapport, CRPD, Jobsplus, Lino Spiteri Foundation, Directorate For Lifelong Learning and Employment, Aġenzija Zgħazagħ and AX Group with the tools and knowledge to better support neurodivergent employees, particularly those with autism and ADHD. The training also addressed a broader spectrum of neurodivergent conditions, reflecting an inclusive and holistic approach to workplace support. In parallel, the initiative also focused on preparing prospective employers through the agency’s Way to Work programme, with the goal of fostering more inclusive and supportive workplace environments.
The training was held over three working days at AX The Victoria Hotel and AX The Palace in Sliema. The first two days consisted interactive workshops designed to equip officials and frontliners with practical tools and strategies. The third day featured a dedicated conference for prospective employers, examining how to recognise and support the strengths of candidates with invisible disabilities. The sessions were particularly valuable for CEOs, HR managers and other decision-makers involved in recruitment and workplace policy. Attendees were addressed by the Minister for Inclusion and Voluntary Organisations, Honourable Julia Farrugia, and the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry, Mr Anthony Gatt. Employers also heard from the Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disability, Ms Rhoda Garland.
Training and workshops were delivered by a combination of individuals with lived experience of disability, alongside professionals with expertise in the field. Contributors included Ms Joana Simões, Associate at the Portuguese Association Voz do Autista (PT); Mr Peter Brabazon BE (Elec.), HDip (Business), Founder and CEO of Specialisterne Ireland; and Ms Margaret White, Head of Disability Services at Prisms Malta. Each trainer brought valuable insight, having contributed to the development of this programme and similar initiatives internationally. The workshops were deliberately kept small and interactive to facilitate a more personalised and engaging learning environment. The goal was to enable participating officials to apply and share their knowledge within their teams and broader organisation, become multipliers within their work environments. Following the workshops, panel discussions were moderated by Mr Oliver Scicluna, CEO of Aġenzija Sapport with panelists including Ms Romina Pace, HR Consultant at AX Group, Mr Matthew Psaila, Area Director of Human Resources at Corinthia Group, Tokyo Attard, Project Officer at DDI and Mr Blain Schembri from the CRPD.
This initiative forms part of AX Foundation’s continued efforts to promote equal employment opportunities and building a more inclusive society through collaborative and evidence-based projects.
To see key moments and insights from the day, watch the full highlights video here
