ITALY: Striding Towards Social Inclusion

Italy, rich in history and culture, also stands out in its efforts to ensure social inclusion for people with disabilities. Through a series of initiatives and programs, Italy demonstrates its commitment to promoting rights, employment, and overall well-being for all citizens, regardless of their abilities.

Employment: Enhancing Quality of Life

Italy is strongly focused on achieving social inclusion for people with disabilities through employment, which is a crucial aspect. Law No. 68/1999 had a significant positive impact on the employment of people with disabilities, leading to a growth in the number of employees with disabilities. Although challenges remain, the percentage of people with disabilities seeking employment has decreased to 7.5% (in 2021). On the other hand, women with disabilities face additional barriers, including a sense of discouragement, often resulting giving up of employment.

Education: Overcoming Barriers

Barriers within the Italian education system often force people with disabilities to discontinue their educational paths. However, regional integration and support policies successfully utilize funds from the European Social Fund and the regional fund for the employment of people with disabilities. This initiative positively impacts the increased enrollment of people with disabilities in the education system, opening up greater opportunities for their future employment.

Income and Social Welfare: Equality in Focus

Social inclusion is also reflected in the equivalent incomes of households people with disabilities. The average annual income of households with people with disabilities amounts to €17,476 and €16,287, which is 7.8% and 2.4% lower than the national average. The monthly income of households with people with disabilities is about €1,456.33 and €1,357.25.

And what is the average salary in Italy?

According to the latest data, a worker in Italy receives an average annual gross salary of €29,500, which corresponds to an approximate monthly net salary of €1,700. Through the social protection system, Italy provides support to people with disabilities through economic transfers, services, and structures, aiming to reduce the risk of poorness.

Inclusion Through Volunteering: “I Ragazzi di Robin” Association

The “I Ragazzi di Robin” Association inspires by its efforts to enable the social inclusion of people with disabilities through volunteer activities. Their work demonstrates that people with disabilities can be active protagonists in society through practical tasks like cleaning, event support, and other assignments. Through these efforts, the association fosters self-esteem and a sense of belonging, contributing to building an inclusive future.

Providing Psychosocial Support: National Disability Insurance Scheme

Through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), Italy ensures support for individuals with psychosocial disabilities. NDIS recognizes the diverse needs and goals of each individual, contributing to their inclusion and recovery. Through flexible support plans, NDIS allows individuals to achieve their goals and create a life despite mental health challenges.

For more about the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), read on our blog…

Legislative Protection for People with Disabilities

Italy strives to provide legislative protection and support for people with disabilities through collaboration with associations and institutions. The Ministry for Persons with Disabilities oversees the implementation of policies for the protection and promotion of the rights of people with disabilities, promoting their social integration and active participation.

Employment of People with Disabilities

• Incentives: Employers who choose to hire person with disabilities or persons with disabilities who deside to self-employment are entitled to various incentives provided through the Institute for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment of Disabled Persons.
• Employment Quota Obligation: Employers with at least 20 employees are obliged to meet a quota for employing people with disabilities. For more then 20 employees, this quota is three percent of the total number of employees in the company.
• Monetary Compensation for Non-Compliance: Employers who fail to meet the employment quota for people with disabilities, either through direct employment or alternative methods, are required to pay a monetary compensation. This compensation amounts to 20 percent of the minimum wage per month for each person with disabilities that the employer did not hire according to the quota obligation.
• Exception: As of April 1, 2020, employers in labor-intensive industries are exempt from the quota obligation.

Find more information at https://gov.hr/en/incentives-for-employing-disabled-persons/1390  and https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2020_12_145_2804.html.

Education of People with Disabilities: The Republic of Croatia offers a range of services and assistance to employees working with people with disabilities, as well as to people with disabilities themselves, to facilitate successful inclusion in the education system. Some of these services include:

• Assistance with integration into education and regular education programs
• Compensation for regular studying
• Payment of accommodation costs in student dormitories

Legislation and Support: In Croatia, there is a Disability Ombudsman who protects, monitors, and promotes the rights and interests of people with disabilities based on the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia, international treaties, and laws.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t find associations actively promoting the social inclusion of people with disabilities through diverse activities aimed at enriching their lives and contributing to community development.

However, dear reader, if you’ve come across such inspiring organisations, feel free to share that information with us via email.