According to the latest Istat report, in Italy the number of students with disabilities continues to grow: in the year 2023/2024 there were over 359 thousand, 4.5% of the total members (+6% compared to the previous year). 75 thousand more in the last five years (+26%). Only 41% of schools are accessible for pupils with motor disabilities (and the situation worsens in the South, with 37%) and only 1% is accessible for blind or visually impaired pupils.
The most widespread disability is intellectual, which affects 40% of students with disabilities, share that grows in lower and upper secondary schools. These pupils would need specialized teachers, which are often lacking. Much work therefore still remains to be done to overcome the physical, cultural and behavioral barriers that limit equal access for boys and girls with disabilities.
The “Inclusive Generation” project, promoted by Cbm Italia with the support of Fondazione Cdp (non-profit organization of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group) and in collaboration with Anffas (National Association of Families of People with Intellectual and Relational Disabilities), aims precisely to promote awareness of disability and support for disabled boys and girls, together with their families.
The initiative is part of the broader commitment of Cbm Italia, an international organization active in Italy and around the world that works for the full inclusion of people with disabilities and the promotion of their rights, recognizing education as an essential tool for social change. The big news is the creation of “Beyond! Seeing and overcoming barriers”, the first educational game in Italy entirely dedicated to the topic of disability.
Designed with Hackability, a non-profit association from Turin, Oltre! allows students to experience in an active and engaging way how disability is not an individual characteristic, but the result of interaction between people and environments not yet designed for everyone.
“Inclusive Generation” takes place in three secondary schools, involves students between 15 and 18 years old and is divided into different types of intervention, involving the entire school community. We start with training aimed at school staff, in particular teachers and educators, with the aim of strengthening skills and tools on the issues of disability, inclusion and rights, promoting more inclusive educational practices. We continue with an orientation path dedicated to boys and girls with disabilities together with their families, to counteract the phenomenon of abandonment of training courses after graduation and promote greater awareness of study, training and approach opportunities to the world of work, including internships and professional experiences.
The third phase of the process involves all the students of the participating classes through awareness-raising activities that promote discussion, collaboration and critical thinking. In this phase the game “Beyond! Seeing and overcoming barriers” is used. The heart of the game is the final challenge, which brings the classes of the three territories into dialogue. Groups of male and female students must conceive and design innovative, sustainable and inclusive solutions to make their living and learning environments more accessible. The most effective proposals will be selected and the winning teams will have the opportunity to present their projects during the final event, focusing on the active role of boys and girls in building more inclusive schools and communities. For information on Cbm Italia visit the website
