Empowering Disability Rights: Highlights from the Turin Provider Forum

The Paideia Centre in Turin recently hosted an impactful national forum on Monday, October 11, titled “Services as Facilitators of Rights: From the European Union to the Italian Context.” The event gathered experts, practitioners, and civil society organisations to explore European policies and funding frameworks for disability rights. The role of organisations such as EASPD in designing and implementing these initiatives was also highlighted. With a focus on innovation, best practices, and the crucial role of services, the forum sought to connect European and Italian perspectives and show the value of cross-country collaboration and exchanges.

Bridging European and Local Perspectives

Fabrizio Serra, Director of the Paideia Foundation, opened the forum by underscoring the power of collaboration across European and local levels. He explained how European frameworks offer new opportunities for national and regional initiatives while noting the unique contributions of Italian approaches to the wider European debate, particularly in community-based work and inclusion.

Spotlight on European Policies and Tools

The first session, led by EASPD Policy Officer Irene Bertana, and Project Development Specialist Giulia Bergamasco delved into the European Union’s social rights and disability policies. Moderated by human rights lawyer Carola Carazzone, the discussion unpacked key funding mechanisms and EASPD’s vision and actions . Participants walked away with practical insights on leveraging European frameworks to strengthen local efforts to advance accessibility and social inclusion.

Exploring the Italian Context

The forum's second session shifted focus to Italy, with contributions from representatives of national and local foundations and programmes. Moderated by psychologist and psychotherapist Fabrizio Zucca, the discussion began by reflecting on the concept of care and exploring the challenges faced by caregivers and families of people with disabilities.

Cecilia Sorpilli, a pedagogist and counsellor from Fondazione Imoletta ETS, shared impactful testimonies that illustrated the realities, barriers and structural exclusion faced by people with disabilities.

A Vision for the Future

The event concluded with a forward-looking discussion, positioning the forum as a stepping stone toward deeper collaboration between European and local perspectives. The forum is part of a broader dialogue and partnership that will culminate at EASPD’s international conference in Italy in October 2025. This conference will explore how services can better support families throughout the life stages of persons with disabilities to foster autonomy and participation.