Abilitando and Rotary International continue their collaboration to provide concrete support to the disabled community. The partnership has grown out of real needs identified during the organization of Abilitando 2017. The event's strong attendance and significance—recognized by both a Presidential Medal and the High Patronage of the European Parliament—enabled Abilitando to develop several initiatives with the Alessandria Rotary Club, working closely with local organizations and institutions. With funding from the Grappolo, a coalition of Rotary Clubs from lower Piedmont and Liguria, Abilitando has completed three projects focused on employment, education, and social inclusion for people with disabilities, backed by specialized technological consultation.
The first project was presented on Monday, June 25, at 5 p.m. at the Botanical Garden on via Monteverde. Developed in close partnership with Rna Natura e Ragazzi, it centers on green therapy and horticultural therapy—approaches whose effectiveness in treating many psychiatric conditions is well documented. Caring for flowers and plants teaches children and teenagers how to care for themselves. With WiFi access already available at the Botanical Garden, Rna Natura e Ragazzi will be equipped with tablets and digital applications designed to guide visitors with various disabilities through tailored pathways and deepen their understanding of environmental themes.
The decision to provide tablets was made with particular attention to improving communication between association volunteers and people with autism. Using QR codes linked to detailed plant information, the tablets will also give deaf visitors access to multimedia guides during greenhouse visits, significantly enriching their experience. For disabled visitors, the tablets become tools for engaging with environments and plants according to their own abilities and interests, deepening their exploration of the various themed educational pathways available to experts, researchers, students, and young children alike. This approach also benefits the families of disabled children and teenagers through activities designed to strengthen their relationships.
Source: Alessandria News