Sezione Laziale UILDM

UILDM is present in Italy with over 70 branches, which are coordinated by the main offices set in Padua. It is a no-profit organisation whose aims are to foster the social inclusion of people with disabilities and to promote research, prevention and assistance in the field of neuromuscular diseases. Sezione Laziale della UILDM Onlus was created in Rome in 1967. It is the branch with the highest amount of members in the national network, providing social and rehabilitation services to over a thousand users who have neuromuscular diseases in the Lazio region. A relevant percentage of the staff in the organisation is people with disabilities. The organisation has always been active in providing social and rehabilitation services to people with neuromuscular diseases, in developing specific assistance which is provided to people with disabilities for free and in promoting a cultural change aimed at taking into consideration the needs of people with disabilities. Besides medical and scientific services, Sezione Laziale della UILDM is engaged in raising public awareness concerning a culture of disability, in improving quality of life and promoting equal opportunities. The organisation includes a Health Area which offers services of rehabilitation and a Social Area (ASIS). A.S.I.S. (Social Integration Service Area) is the field of UILDM offering support services, guidance and counseling to support Independent Living. The philosophy of our work is to help our users in becoming active protagonists by promoting processes of autonomy and independence. In our services, particular attention is paid to the users aged between 15 and 30 years old as this is the age group going through the self-development process towards autonomy and social integration. M.I.D.A. (International Mobility for People with Disabilities) Projects MIDA department promotes experiential activities through international, individual or group voluntary projects for young people with and without disabilities. The objective is active participation and learning by doing. The department offers a “mentoring” service to ensure guidance, training and customized support to young people aged between 18 and 30 years old who wish to experience intercultural exchanges, European Voluntary Service and training courses. The activities of this department have significantly increased both the quantity and the quality of the initiatives in terms of participation of young people with special needs, in particular those with disabilities, in intercultural experiences which encourage their self growth. This work has allowed the association to become an active member in a network of organisations who are committed to increasing the opportunities for European mobility for young people with special needs and to gradually raise awarness among the associations on the inclusion of people with disabilities in international projects.