"The Future of People with Disabilities: Law 112/2016 and Life After Us"—this is the theme connecting three informational workshops for families of disabled people, professionals in the sector, and residents, hosted at the Casa del Volontariato in Carpi.
The workshop series, organized by Fondazione Progetto per la Vita onlus, Unione delle Terre d'Argine, and Ausl di Modena in collaboration with Fondazione Casa del Volontariato and endorsed by Centro Servizi per il Volontariato, Forum Terzo Settore, and Carer (Caregiver Familiari Emilia Romagna), will take place over three Thursday evenings (April 5 and 19, May 3) from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Each session will feature expert presentations, a buffet dinner for participants, and a working session with discussion and small-group activities.
"The question of life after us has been drawing community attention for several years now," explains Alberto Bellelli, Social Services Assessor for the Unione delle Terre d'Argine, "especially since the national law gave it formal structure. The Emilia-Romagna region has allocated initial funding to health districts and asked them to develop specific programs in consultation with local organizations. This embodies what we call a 'caring community'—a principle we've tried to build into the Unione's future social plan. In January we convened institutions, nonprofits, civic groups, and healthcare professionals to discuss the territory's challenges and needs. This is an excellent initiative for pooling experience, expertise, and projects. Life after us was part of that conversation, and my administration and our partner municipalities have invested time and resources there for years. Because we believe strongly in this work, we've strengthened support for family caregivers, expanded home-based services, and deepened collaboration with volunteer organizations, the health authority, and Fondazione Progetto per la Vita onlus.
"A workshop series like this," says Sergio Saltini, president of Fondazione Progetto per la Vita onlus, "continues work we've been doing to understand the new law and tap all it offers families with disabled members and our foundation's work in the region. It's crucial that this series brings together different organizations and speaks directly to families and citizens—not just professionals and operators. The law deserves careful attention, and we're committed to presenting the perspectives of institutions, experts, and—just as importantly—real experiences that can help families and professionals navigate it."
The series opens Thursday, April 5, with a presentation on "Building Independence: Planning for Life After Us." Speakers include Alberto Bellelli, Assessor for Social Services of the Unione delle Terre d'Argine; Piero Stefanini of Fondazione Trustee in Parma; and Rino Montanari of Fondazione Le chiavi di casa. Small-group discussions will follow, facilitated by Sabrina Tellini of the Unione delle Terre d'Argine.
"Disability and Aging: Preparing for Life After Us" is the focus of the second session, Thursday, April 19 at 6 p.m., opened by Stefania Ascari, Director of the Carpi District for Ausl di Modena. She'll be followed by Serena Mortari, a pedagogue from the University of Verona. Next comes a presentation from CADIAI Cooperative in Bologna, and small-group work led by Rossana Cattabriga of Ausl di Modena.
The final meeting, Thursday, May 3, focuses on Law 112 and life after us, with speakers Enrico Campedelli, Regional Councillor for Emilia-Romagna, and members of the Legal Commission of Fondazione Progetto per la Vita onlus in Carpi: notary Carlo Camocardi, attorney Cristina Muzzioli, and accountant Paolo Casarini.
Registration is required for planning purposes. Contact Fondazione Progetto per la Vita onlus at info@fondazioneprogettoperlavita or 348 0606703. Assistance for disabled participants will be available to encourage family attendance.
Source: Sassuolo2000