Rights of the disabled, Mattarella: “Difficulties and risks for care and treatment. It is necessary to defeat the virus as soon as possible”

“The civilization level of a town and a state is also measured by the ability to insure people with disabilities inclusion, equal opportunities, rights and participation in all areas of public, social and economic life ”. This is the message of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, on the occasion of the International day for the rights of persons with disabilities.

“Italy, in recent years, has taken many steps to mitigate the effects of disabilities and promote true respect for the rights of people who present them, committing itself to breaking down barriers and obstacles – physical and also cultural – that limit aspirations legitimate. The European Union, last month, approved a binding declaration for member states, to build together an inclusive Europe towards people with disabilities. However, it is necessary, especially in this health emergency, an even greater effort to maintain and improve levels of care, support and attention. Also through listening and involvement, in this precious activity, of associations and organizations that express the voice of people with disabilities ”, says Mattarella.

According to the head of state: “The difficulties and risks involved in obtaining ordinary care and assistance in medical and hospital facilities, laboriously committed to face the Covid emergency. Also to eliminate these consequences and return to normal conditions it is necessary to defeat the virus as soon as possible, respecting – despite the serious inconveniences – the rules of conduct against contagion. “But not only that, Mattarella also recalls that” disability, personal or of a family member, in many cases is associated with precarious income and employment conditions. Access to the world of work for people with disabilities is a central issue ”, continues the Head of State in his message on the international day for the rights of people with disabilities. “The condition of minors with disabilities is particularly delicate. The pandemic compounds the difficulty of following school lessons. And the lack of relationships with teachers and peers runs the risk of producing more marginalized conditions. Disability is often inevitably linked to the third and fourth age. These older people constitute, in the pandemic, a category of special risk and they suffer a lot from loneliness, the lack of direct relationship with relatives and acquaintances and the effort in managing specific aspects of daily life ”.