The President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities has issued the following statement:
“The path taken, over these years, to ensure the rights of persons with disabilities, also on the basis of the related principles under the United Nations Convention, has allowed to attain, with the precious help of families, associations and designated structures, significant achievements of self-sufficiency. Persons with disabilities have had, over these years, the opportunity to improve and fulfil themselves in the field of work, art, music, theatre, sport and in each aspect of social life. Overcoming any limiting and excluding barrier daily contributes to underlying the positive value of diversity.
Unfortunately, the compelling health crisis has, in many cases, jeopardised the occasions of sociability of persons with disabilities, making them more vulnerable. There have been cases of actual isolation and social exclusion of young people and adults who particularly suffered from pandemic containment measures. Institutions have been called to support households coexisting with disability, often burdened by economic and working problems, in order to leave no one alone when dealing with an issue, the one of the protection of human dignity, which is everyone’s responsibility.
It is in this spirit that we have to face the recovery, as a challenge to build up a more inclusive society where the question of disability does not result in a workload for individuals but, on the contrary, is the subject of attention and intervention from the whole community. Just as much as easing concerns of families for the “after us” phase has to turn into a commitment for all those who have, at every level, positions of responsibility.
Overcoming limits and mistrust is fundamental, in order to allow persons with disabilities to see in our Country an example of selflessness and belonging. We have to attain, with strength and determination, the goal of full inclusiveness, to lay the foundation of a truly democratic, open and unhindered society.”