Disability and Socialization in Italy

Talking to other people, participating in activities, and feeling part of a community can have positive effects on physical and emotional well-being.

Socializing can help you feel less lonely, gain self-confidence, get to know your local area better, receive useful information about available services, and build friendships and support networks.

Public spaces should be accessible to everyone, but in reality, this is not always the case. In many cities, you can still encounter obstacles that make it difficult to get around or participate in daily life. For example, one might come across sidewalks that are hard to navigate, buses without ramps, buildings lacking elevators, or inaccessible restrooms. Information is not always clear or easy to understand either, which can create further difficulties. 

At the same time, however, in Italy there are also many places that try to be more inclusive and welcoming.

• libraries;
• cultural centers;
• sports centers;
• neighborhood associations;
• social cooperatives;
• accessible beaches.

In these places it is easier to build relationships and receive useful information about the city’s services.

The sea and beaches, too, in many areas of Italy, are becoming more accessible. On some beaches you can find walkways that allow you to reach the water, special chairs for entering the sea, accessible bathrooms and support staff who can help you if you need it.

Places of worship and religious spaces can also play an important role in social life. Mosques, churches, temples and other religious centers often represent points of meeting, support and guidance for many migrant people.

How you can meet new people

Even if it may seem difficult at first, there are many ways to make new friends and feel less alone.

You can take part in:

• Italian language courses and activities organized by CPIAs;
• sports activities;
• creative and artistic workshops;
• events organized by the Municipality, associations or volunteer groups;
• cultural centers;
• social cooperatives.

Sport, for example, can help you not only to feel better physically, but also to feel less alone and more confident in yourself. Taking part in sports or recreational activities is often a good way to meet new people, make friends and feel part of the community.

In many Italian cities there are inclusive activities designed also for people with disabilities. You can find, for example, swimming, football, basketball, dance, yoga courses or gym activities adapted to different needs. In some cases group walks, excursions or outdoor activities are also organized.

Cultural and creative activities can also be important moments of encounter and sharing. Going to the cinema, taking part in artistic workshops, listening to music or taking part in theater activities can help you express yourself, relax and feel more involved in the social life of your city.

How to build a support network

If you don’t have family or friends nearby, you can try to get in touch with:

• associations of people with disabilities;
• migrant associations;
• diaspora groups;
• intercultural centers;
• social cooperatives;
• sports groups;
• volunteer organizations;
• religious communities;
• mutual aid groups.

These organizations can help you meet new people and receive useful information about daily life.

Organizations that promote inclusion and participation

In Italy there are organizations that work for the rights of people with disabilities and for a more inclusive society.

These include:

• FISH – Italian Federation for the Rights of People with Disabilities and Families;
• ANFFAS – National Association of Families and People with Intellectual Disabilities and Neurodevelopmental Disorders;
• FAND – Federation of National Associations of People with Disabilities;
• ANMIC – National Association of Civilian Disabled and War Wounded;
• ENS – National Deaf Institute;
• UICI – Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired;
• Italian Paralympic Committee.

Many of these organizations collaborate with local authorities, associations and local services to promote participation, accessibility and social inclusion.

Where to find help

If you need information or support, you can turn to the Municipality’s social services, immigration desks, and local associations and listening centers. You can search for their contacts online or turn to dedicated help desks.

If you think you have been discriminated against, you can ask for help from:

• UNAR (National Office Against Racial Discrimination);
• associations that deal with protecting the rights of people with disabilities;
• legal desks in your area;
• Civic Defender (Difensore Civico), where present.

This contribution was created by ItaliaHello with the help and support of the Cooperativa Sociale Barberi Onlus