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Talk about intellectual disability it means to speak of the rights, dignity, autonomy and social inclusion.
It also means understanding how important it is to build a society capable of going beyond stereotypes, prejudice, and cultural barriers.
In this path, the work of SUPPORT is a fundamental point of reference for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The awareness days on intellectual disability represent a valuable opportunity to inform, educate and promote a culture that is truly inclusive.
What is intellectual disability?
The intellectual disability it is a condition that affects cognitive functioning and may affect, with an intensity that varies from person to person, on aspects such as:
- learning;
- understanding;
- communication;
- autonomy;
- problem solving;
- the management of daily life.
However, when you speak of intellectual disability, it is critical to remember that no diagnosis completely defines a person.
Each individual has their own identity, emotions, abilities, desires, aspirations and potential.
Reducing a person to his condition means ignore the complexity and value.
Why awareness on intellectual disability is important
The raising awareness about intellectual disabilities it is important because it helps to combat prejudice and to promote a greater social awareness.
Very often, in fact, the real obstacle is not the condition in itself, but the way in which society looks at and treats the people.
The most common prejudices
Among the most frequent errors are:
- talk about the place of the person;
- assume that it is able to understand or decide;
- infantilizzare;
- exclude from the choices that concern you;
- to lower expectations at the start.
A proper awareness about intellectual disabilities to:
- shift the focus from the edge to the person.
Intellectual disability and inclusion: what it really means to include
When we talk about inclusion and intellectual disabilitynot enough to speak of hospitality.
The inclusion of true means to create conditions so that every person can:
- participate in the social life;
- express your opinion;
- experience;
- develop autonomy;
- build relationships;
- access to educational opportunities, employment, and cultural.
Inclusion is not a symbolic gesture.
It is a process that requires listening, tools, accessibility, and respect.
The role of SUPPORT in the protection of the rights
In Italy, SUPPORT plays a fundamental role in the promotion of the rights of people with intellectual disabilities.
The commitment of SUPPORT covers different areas:
- the protection of the rights;
- school inclusion;
- inclusion;
- self-determination;
- support for families;
- social participation.
Talk about SUPPORT and intellectual disability means, therefore, to speak of a reality that has been working for years for a society that is more just, more aware and more inclusive.
The day of raising awareness about intellectual disabilities
A day of raising awareness about intellectual disabilities there should be only one occurrence symbolic.
It should be a useful moment to ask ourselves important questions:
- the schools are really inclusive?
- public places are also accessible from the communication point of view?
- people with disabilities are heard, really?
- there are concrete opportunities for autonomy and participation?
The awareness has value only if it produces real change.
Also the language can include or exclude
Another fundamental aspect is the language.
The words help to build the culture.
Speak properly intellectual disability means:
- use respectful language;
- avoid labels reductive;
- do not use tones pietistici;
- I do not describe the person only in relation to her condition.
People with intellectual disabilities do not need to be told with compassion.
They need to be recognised, heard, and valued.
Call to Action
It is not enough to raise awareness. It's time to really change
Talk about intellectual disability only makes sense if you move from words to deeds.
The inclusion cannot remain a beautiful idea to tell: must become culture, responsibilities, and daily action.
rightforinclusion.en want to give a voice to stories, reflections and projects that can break down barriers, create awareness and build a more just society.
Learn more rightforinclusion.en
For collaborations, initiatives or proposals: info@rightforinclusion.it
The inclusion should not be an exception.
Must become the way in which we choose to be in the world.