overcoming obstacles

Our main problems derive from the non-integration of: the families with their experience; the policies of and the steps taken by the Health and Social Services to create a single effective model. The Italian National Health Service tends to shut families out of the planning and the development of their children's reabilitation program. We do not wish to go into the reasons that lead to this situation. However, there can be no doubt that the current situation employes very considerable economic resources and that a very lucrative business has developed around braininjuried children and the disabled in general.

How many times have we heard: "...don't think about your braininjuried children. Think about work, think about your career; be careful, don't let yourself become to involved because in the end the family might brake up. Leave your children with us; we'll take care of them...!"

Nowadays, our experience, has shown us that this is not true. In fact, taking care of our own children, far from leading to a break up of the family leads to greater family cohesion, serenity and unity.

We would like to change certain attitudes, preconceptions and prejudices that exist in society about our children and the difficulties they face. By explaining and ensuring accurate information about our children and their problems and by sharing our combined experiences, we hope to change people's perceptions, both within the health care professions and in society at large.

Changing these perceptions will lead to a new awareness which will not be only to our advantage in the sense that we will finally feel listened to and understood, but it will also be to the advantage of everyone in our society.

We are often frustrated in our endeavors, sometimes obstacles are created by those who really should show comprehension, understanding and a helpful attitude.

Overcoming...

We believe that the Public Administration of the Health and Social Services should encourage and support the families of braininjuried children and should recognize that the center of the process for treating and rehabilitating these children is the family. The Health and Social Services should supply the appropriate medical, therapeutic, and social services to ensure the maximum results for our children. The families should never be blamed, irrespective of the difficulties they are facing but they should be supported and it should be recognized that the family is the natural environment for all children. The fundamental role played by voluntary workers should be/must be recognized.

We believe that the Public Administration should organize the Social Services throughout the territory to ensure that the severely disabled receive a personal service designed to meet their individual needs. This requires a 'human' approach to social services and includes all services including schooling.

We believe that the Public Administration should stop organizing services which are not only not cost effective but are inhuman such as the admission to institutions of hundreds of people at the same time, which results in enormous waste both economically and in human resources. We believe "family homes" should be organized and should be seen as the only valid alternative to the child's family, when this is required.

We hold that the time has come for the Public Administration to use its vast resources to help shape public opinion in favor of the disabled. It is time for the disabled to be seen as valuable members of society. A person's value, happiness and dignity can not be measured in simple economic or productivity terms.

We believe that the Public Administration should eliminate the various architectural features that still block access to the disabled and as such prevent the disabled from reaching maximum social integration. There should be support for courses, schools, and other initiatives aimed at helping the disabled to become more autonomous.