Dr. Amanda Schembri Muscat is a Senior Paediatric Speech and Language Pathologist, Special Education Teacher, and Early Intervention Specialist. She directs Starshine Early Intervention Centre, supporting children aged 0–7. With 20 years in education, she has led national inclusion initiatives and represented Malta at the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education. Her doctoral research (University of Sheffield) explored literacy experiences and student voice among adolescents with intellectual disabilities.

This study examined literacy services and strategies for students with intellectual disabilities (ID) in Malta, analysing policy, instruction, and systemic support through a mixed-methods approach. Findings revealed a gap between national policy goals and classroom implementation, with limited specialised training and resources for educators. Grounded in the Science of Reading, the study calls for structured, evidence-based interventions, enhanced teacher preparation, and stronger policy alignment to improve literacy outcomes for students with ID.