One of the strengths of this small book is that it was written by the educators themselves. They work at the day center of USL San Lazzaro di Savena (BO) and present their work and daily life with a small group of severely handicapped people with serious behavioral problems.
The first two chapters offer general reflections—interesting and easy to share—though the development of the argument, the style, and the thinking are not always clear to us.
The chapter titled "Stories of People," by contrast, is very straightforward. It consists of pages from a diary kept by the educators. Through small daily events and the various moods of each person—including the educators themselves—every individual comes alive on the page, fully present. Then, for each disabled person, they tell the story: the past, arrival at the center, the various activities designed to help. All of this is presented simply and carefully, but the attention paid to small moments and each person's wellbeing shows the quality of the work.
The final section offers clear and honest reflection on the work accomplished, the goals set, and the methodology used. The concluding chapter, "A Warm and Light Touch," strikes us as deeply wise—the kind of tone one wishes to find in every public and private center serving the most seriously disabled.
- Nicole Schulthes, 1995
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