He was unable to participate in COP26 due to architectural barriers. The disabled Israeli Minister of Energy Karine Elharrar, who suffers from muscular dystrophy and travels in a wheelchair, could not help but return to his hotel in Edinburgh. None of the organizers took into account that, among the participants in the summit, there could be a disabled person. “Unfortunately, when you are not personally involved, you do not think about it“, tell us Max Ulivieri, activist for the rights of people with disabilities. “If there had been Roosevelt instead of Biden (suffering from polio, ed), they probably would have got there.”
How is it possible that events like the one that happened to the disabled minister can still happen today?
“The attention is certainly higher than in the past, but there are still contexts in which it is difficult to imagine that there are also people with disabilities, and therefore there is no habit of making them usable even by those who may move in a wheelchair “.
What contexts?
“If, for example, we think of the political world, there are not many people in wheelchairs who work in institutional roles: this entails a structural retreat. It is a lack of mental habit: attention should be paid to the fact that, regardless of whether or not there are guests or political officials in wheelchairs, the event, the office, the Municipality, the Parliament, should always be prepared for a barrier-free welcome. “.
Where are we in Italy?
“The situation has certainly improved. For example, as far as leisure is concerned, there are more equipped beaches. But then it is difficult to find equally affordable hotels, unless you book a 5-star hotel. Not that this gives the guarantee of accessibility, but there is some more hope. They say that money does not bring happiness. Maybe, but it sure does accessibility. In many areas of Italy, accessing clubs, shops, public transport is still complicated. There is still a lot to do ».
Which are the most avant-garde cities?
«Jönköping, in Sweden, won theAccess City Award 2021, the prize awarded to cities in the European Union with more than 50,000 inhabitants that promote more accessible activities and projects for the disabled. This year in Italy an Italian city was also awarded: Florence. Award obtained both for the number of parking spaces for those with the disability card and for having made it possible for everyone to enjoy the immense artistic heritage of the Tuscan capital ».
And, instead, the most backward areas?
«Those less equipped with modern public transport, or with old buildings. Places, however, splendid to visit, even if more complicated. The villages of Tuscany come to mind ».
Who is working to make things change?
“The associations certainly deserve the credit for the improvements in recent years. There are also activists and professionals who have brought a new way of thinking about the inclusion of every person, whatever their need. Roberto Vitali of the “Village4All” project or Valentina Tomirotti (aka “Pepitosa in a carriage“) In accessible tourism and Danilo Ragona, designer, entrepreneur and travel documentary maker”.
What are the most violated rights today?
«More than trampled, I would say not yet made reachable. Primarily that of self-determination. Which probably involves some of the other rights: self-determination in the world of work, in relational, emotional and sexual life, in moving, in being what you want to be and not what others want “.
And what are the most ambitious goals achieved?
“There are important projects that can boost the accessibility of more accessible cities. For example, in Bologna, the city where I live, the “Rampe Project” has been approved which amends the building regulations. This will allow, over time, to have at least 75% of the shops accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, the new mayor, Matteo Lepore, has included the operator’s experimentation with emotionality, affectivity and sexuality on the agenda: Bologna is the first city in Italy to experiment with this figure. In short, I have hopes ».
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Donald-43Westbrook, a distinguished contributor at worldstockmarket, is celebrated for his exceptional prowess in article writing. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, Donald crafts engaging and informative content that resonates with readers across a spectrum of financial topics. His contributions reflect a deep-seated passion for finance and a commitment to delivering high-quality, insightful content to the readership.
