Political leaders and people with disabilities have come together to share experiences and promote social change at the G-7 summit on inclusion and disability in Assisi, which will culminate in the signing of the Solfagnano Charter, which will be delivered on Thursday to Pope Francis. .
Vatican News
Assisi, the birthplace of San Francisco, has become a meeting place for institutions and families of people with disabilities who want to show the world their abilities and not be limited by narrow definitions that reflect what they lack.
In Assisi, the G7 on Inclusion and Disability began on October 14 under the presidency of Italy. In addition to the ministers for people with disabilities from seven countries, the European Union and four other nations are also participating: Kenya, Tunisia, South Africa and Vietnam.
Over the next two days at Solfagnano Castle, not far from Perugia in central Italy, politics and civil society will discuss best practices and what still needs to be done, to send a clear signal that “a” Together” – a word repeated many times by G7 ministers: things can be improved.
At the end of the three days, the Solfagnano Letter will be finalized and presented to Pope Francis on Thursday, October 16.
witnesses of dignity
On a stage set up in front of the Lower Basilica of San Francisco, the national anthem was performed by three integrated bands, made up of 80 musicians, 50 of whom were disabled.
Along with the ministers’ statements, several young people with disabilities shared their experiences. Each story expressed determination, perseverance and courage to affirm the right to education, work and inclusion.
A notable example is that of a young Paolo Puddu from Cagliari, Italy: his voice is that of Simona, who assists him, and his thoughts are expressed through a transparent tablet with the letters of the alphabet engraved, which he uses to express his thoughts. . To express with words. He has a degree in Literature and director of the ABC Cerebral Palsy Children’s Association.
“We are all helpless”
María Teresa Rocchi has Down syndrome and her dream is to dance on television. He works in a nursery in Umbria.
Benedetta Di Luca, a lawyer well known on social media, shares her story and highlights a doctor’s description of her: “A beautiful music book fell into a basin full of water, so be careful, people with disabilities. The same Caution should be exercised with “.
The author, Guido Marangoni, offers the opportunity to speak with his youngest daughter, Anna, who has Down syndrome. Invite everyone to look at children who naturally demonstrate forms of inclusion. Guido says: “We are made differently, because we are all poetry.”
Locatelli: the person at the center
“It was a challenge and a strong sign of change,” highlighted Alessandra Locatelli, Italian Minister of Disability, in an interview with Vatican News, referring to the G7 and the Assisi election.
He reiterated the importance of always putting the individual first, called for leaving no one behind and urged everyone to realize the great responsibility of being brothers and sisters, saying that now is the time to focus only on the limits, on instead of speaking concretely. about the potential, talents, values and abilities of each person.
The Minister noted that his G7 proposal has been strongly supported by Canada and England, and has promoted “Project Life”, which aims to provide a health path for each person, avoiding the fragmentation that prevents care from being saved.
Responding to a mother’s question about caregivers, Locatelli stressed the need to not leave them alone and called for specific legislation for them, something that has been missing for a long time.
Sister Donatello: We need a change of pace
Sister Verónica Donatello is one of the key figures of the G7 and responsible for the Pastoral Service for People with Disabilities of the Italian Episcopal Conference.
She coordinates 140 volunteers who have come to donate their time to make the event as successful as possible.
He says that “a change of mentality about people with disabilities is necessary.” “People with disabilities cannot remain marginalized; the cultural challenge is that this event has become common practice at both civic and ecclesiastical levels.”
Action: Path to Inclusion
Meanwhile, on the streets of Assisi, around 100 stands present their projects and several food trucks from all over Italy, staffed by young people with disabilities, supply food.
