Lorenzo Desideri

Since 1962, we have been advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and their families Since its approval, we feel committed to the implementation of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). Through its 50 articles, the Convention indicates the path that Member States must travel to guarantee the rights of equality and social inclusion for all citizens with disabilities. We support people with disabilities at home, in education, employment, social life, etc. Furthermore, we organize recreational and leisure activities, strolling around and holidays for children, teenagers and young adults with disabilities. Finally, for 45 years we employ well trained professionals, helping them to further develop their skills. Many of them have realised brilliant careers in the government, in educational or cultural institutions, or with other social and health care providers. As a service provider we work in close collaboration with the network of local and regional social care and health services. Through our work we develop and disseminate new knowledge and we support public authorities, contributing to the definition of social and health policies and strategies. We deal with the most advanced experiences and organisations in Europe and contribute to the promotion of policies in favour of disabled people and their families and for the quality of services. The Assistive Technology (AT) team of AIAS Bologna is one of the largest independent (non-commercial) AT teams in Europe. Its composition reflects a multidisciplinary approach. The team, with funds of the public health care system, staffs the Regional Centre for Assistive Technology of the Region Emilia-Romagna (4.490.000 inhabitants). The AT team is currently serving as regional point of reference for health professionals for the diffusion of technological innovations in rehabilitation and psycho-educational interventions targeting individuals with autism spectrum disorders. In addition to its role as advocacy organisation and service provider, we are actively engaged in research and innovation through our Sector Projects for Innovation. Over the last 15 years we have accessed various national and EU funding programmes, among which Horizon2020, as well as the Erasmus+ programme, both as partner as well as lead organisation.