International Day of Persons with Disabilities, President Mattarella: "We owe them respect"

On the occasion of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities , established by the UN , the Head of State Sergio Mattarella said: «There are millions of people with disabilities who fight every day for an independent life and who teach us how to deal with vital strength and great dignity the difficulties: we owe them respect . The appreciation of the Republic goes today to their extraordinary families, to the volunteers and to the associations who are fighting for the affirmation of their rights".

The day was created with the intention of promoting the rights and well-being of all those who live with a form of disability: a significant number of people who risk increasing with the aging of the population.

«The inclusion of people with disabilities – continues the President of the Republic – is proof of the full affirmation of human rights . Important advances in technology are helping to overcome the limitations that hinder the lives of people with disabilities, promoting their full participation. Any progress in this direction to go beyond all barriers should be encouraged. People with disabilities are a resource for the community and their participation in the life of society is precious".

On the occasion of this 3 December, the words of the Pope also arrived. According to the Pontiff, support for inclusive communities represents the elimination of all discrimination and satisfies the need of the individual to feel recognized as a person: "There is no inclusion if it it remains a slogan, a formula to be used in politically correct speeches, a flag to be appropriated. There is no inclusion if there is no conversion in the practices of coexistence and relationships".

For Francis, it is a duty to guarantee people with disabilities access to buildings and meeting places , make languages accessible and overcome physical barriers and prejudices , but that is not enough: we need to promote a spirituality of communion , so that everyone feels part of a body, with its unique personality.

(Unioneonline/vf)