Dr Loredana Muscat is a lecturer at the Institute for Education, Malta and a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Malta. She received her Doctorate degree in Communication Therapy at the University of Malta and holds a Master’s degree in Education in Learning Difficulties and Disabilities from the University of Birmingham. Her research interests include diversity in education and inclusion practices concerning individuals with learning difficulties and 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 literacy policies and classroom practice, with educators lacking specialised training and resources. Grounded in the Science of Reading, the research calls for structured, evidence-based interventions, enhanced teacher preparation, and stronger policy implementation to improve literacy outcomes for students with ID.