The support group sessions for parents of children with visual impairment are returning to Forlì. This parenting support program is designed for all families in the area and is being organized by the Uici (Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired), the Forlì and Cesena territorial chapter. The series runs from September 13 through December 6 at the Uici office, Piazzale della Vittoria 12. "The goal is to give parents a space for dialogue and group discussion that fosters their children's independence and healthy development, while improving family wellbeing and personal resilience," organizers explain.
The sessions will be led by Sara Valerio, a psychologist and psychotherapist specializing in disability, parenting support, and group psychological interventions. Valerio is part of the Emilia Romagna coordination network and is registered on the national roster of psychologists trained through Stessa strada per crescere insieme (Same Path to Growing Together), a national initiative developed jointly by Uici and Cnop, the National Council of Italian Psychologists. She specializes in supporting parents of children with visual impairment and multiple disabilities.
Sessions are scheduled as follows:
- Friday, September 13, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, September 27, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 12, 10 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, October 26, 10 a.m. to noon
- Friday, November 8, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, November 22, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, December 6, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- Two individual opening and closing consultations will also be scheduled at times arranged with participants.
Valerio will address several core themes. First, "Parents and Self," focusing on the emotions, experiences, and relationships that emerge as you guide your children's growth. Second, "Being a Child with Disability," exploring the emotions, experiences, and relationships that develop as children grow up within their families and encounter the wider world. Third, "Parents and Children Facing Others," examining connections with extended family, acquaintances, service providers, and institutions. Participants will be invited to share their lived experiences, concerns, doubts, and hopes—and to work through their emotions and reflections together as a group.
To participate: There is a family contribution of 50 euros, and one or both parents may attend. To register, call the Uici office at 0543402247 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to noon, or Wednesday afternoon, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. (email uicfo@uiciechi.it).
Source: Forlì Today