Tuscany is launching a Forum for Disability Organizations. The regional government approved the initiative through a resolution presented by the assessor for Health and Welfare, Stefania Saccardi, at its last session. All disability associations operating in Tuscany can participate. The region will establish procedures to ensure maximum representation from member organizations. The Forum will be chaired and convened by the regional president and will meet twice yearly to assess the implementation of disability policies. Forum members will elect the members of the Regional Disability Advisory Board.
"For years, Tuscany has pursued policies advancing the rights, autonomy, accessibility, and inclusion of people with disabilities," says assessor Stefania Saccardi. "We've worked hard to involve disabled people directly, learning from their lived experience to make the best and most fitting choices. Creating this Forum is a major step forward. It will let us engage with the associations and truly listen to the voices of disabled people."
To publicize the Forum's creation, the Tuscany regional website will post an announcement with details and a deadline for organizations to apply for membership. The Regional Accessibility Center (CRA) will collaborate on all activities related to establishing and operating the Forum.
According to Cesvot's 2018 data, Tuscany is home to 473 volunteer organizations working on disability issues in various capacities, plus 216 social promotion organizations. On the disabled population itself, the 2017 Observatory Report "Welfare and Health in Tuscany" (based on Istat 2016 data) identifies 171,191 people aged six and older with functional limitations.
Official statement from the Tuscany Regional Government:
To implement Article 25, paragraph 1 of Regional Law 60/2017, the Tuscany Region approved guidelines for establishing the Forum for Disability Organizations through Regional Government Resolution no. 65 of January 21, 2019. Representatives of associations operating in Tuscany may participate.
The Regional Accessibility Center (CRA) will collaborate on all activities for establishing and operating the Forum.
The Forum's inaugural meeting will take place March 1, beginning in the morning at Spazio Reale (Via di San Donnino, 4/6 - Campi Bisenzio - Florence).
To join the Forum, associations must complete a specific online form and attach:
- a copy of the identity document of the legal representative (for associations registered with regional third-sector registries);
- a copy of the identity document of the legal representative, articles of association, and bylaws (for associations not registered with regional third-sector registries).
Enrollment closes Thursday, February 21.
Source: Redattore Sociale