My name is Francesco. I was born in Brescia in 1951. I've been spastic since birth, but in my early years I had good independence—I could go to school on my own, play football with friends, and so on. But around sixteen, I had a serious fall. The doctors still aren't entirely sure why, but afterward my condition got worse, and I developed significant motor problems. The same thing happened again seven years ago. Now, to walk, I always need someone to support me, or for longer distances, a wheelchair.
During my childhood in Brescia, my family gave me help and understanding. But I faced real obstacles fitting in with other children, because of my difference and because no one was paying attention to my condition. There were also no schools in Brescia equipped for a case like mine. My brother helped me here—he taught me to write, to count, and so on.
Around age ten, my family moved to Milan. For the first time, I could attend school at Istituto S. Erlembardo di Gorla. There I had an excellent teacher who followed my progress closely and helped me tremendously. More importantly, I learned something here that still matters deeply to me: how to work with clay. When school ended, I faced the question of what I could do for work. With support especially from my parents, I turned this hobby into my real profession. I've had good results and real satisfaction—thanks also to Cesare, a sculptor I share my studio with, who has stood by me all these years with his advice and his true friendship.
That's how I've been able to hold several exhibitions of my sculptures.
About twelve years ago, I lost my father. It was a very difficult time to get through, especially because he was the person in my family with whom I had the most in common. But during that period, I began going to Fede e Luce, where I met Sergio, who helped me a lot—partly because he reminded me of my father. At Fede e Luce, I found new friends and reconnected with old friends and former schoolmates. Most of all, I found people who are genuinely available and attentive to me and to others facing challenges like mine. These things—along with my family, and especially my mother—help me live at peace and get through the hard moments.
My secret hopes would be to advance in my work and find a life partner. But I know it's not easy. There are real obstacles, and I'm also aware that I have a proud and demanding nature.
From my own experience, I want to say this: beyond the care that organizations like Fede e Luce can offer people with handicaps, society itself must take responsibility for us, through measures that are absolutely necessary. We need the removal of architectural barriers everywhere—in workplaces, entertainment venues, cultural centers like cinemas, theaters, museums, and sports facilities. We need easier access to transportation—especially trains and buses. We need funding for group homes and reception centers. And we need more jobs.
All of this so that, despite the handicap that already excludes us from so much, we can have some degree of independence and the chance to take part in the life of everyone else.
- Francesco Sanvitale, 1990