OfLaura Tedesco
Sabine Bertagnolli, the young man’s mother: «Separated and far from the disabled at the concert, where is the inclusion?»
«I could tell you that it was beautiful, but in reality that’s how I am tired of being humiliated behind the scenes to be able to bring Matteo to concerts… ». Sabine Bertagnolli is a mother 45 year old from Bolzano who couldn’t wait for Sunday 5 May to arrive to accompany her son Matteo, an 18-year-old disabled person, and a 16-year-old friend of hers, to the event at the Verona Arena «One None One Hundred Thousand», the appointment with the great voices of Italian music against violence against women. «We had been waiting for it for months – he says -, because it was initially scheduled for 2023, then it was postponed. It was supposed to be a birthday present for Matteo’s friend, but instead…”
«Disabled on one side, able-bodied on the other»
Having recently come of age, Sabine’s son was born with a serious brain malformation: 100 percent disabled, is in a wheelchair and cannot move independently. On Sunday evening, upon entering the Arena, mother Sabine, Matteo and her friend were divided: «They told us “disabled on one side, able-bodied on the other”», I tried in every way to insist on being able to attend at the concert next to my son, but there was nothing to do. They placed him on a platform reserved for disabled people, I only managed to get at least his friend to do so attend the event near him, standing, outside the platform, but at least a short distance from him…I instead had to stand behind them…It was sad but above all humiliating.” Thanks to the recently built raised platform, the age-old problem has finally been resolved in the Arena (reported for example by Sofia Righetti, who won the case in courtand Valentina Tomirotti, who reached an agreement) of the “lack of vision” for disabled people: built with the approval of the judge, who granted approval to the project, the new installation guarantees full respect for the law to people in a wheelchair to best attend the events in the Scaliger amphitheatre: «But are we really sure that this is the best possible solution? — asks Sabine — In my opinion, it’s not just a question of visual spectrum, but of humanity and inclusion.”
The photos and the post
Upon returning to Bolzano, Matteo’s mother documented the evening on social media by posting the photos and a post that became popular of views and comments of solidarity: «I could tell you that it was wonderful, but in reality I’m so tired of suffering humiliating backstories in order to be able to take Matteo to concerts — these are his words — Concerts in which he enjoys himself immensely, but which often do not allow us to savor the lightness of the music, divided by cold railings that are so heavy to bear. Sad, melancholy and devastating to the soul. Cremonini, Jovanotti, Vasco, Eros, Mika, Pausini… Mantua, Bologna, Verona, Jesolo, Milan… Discussions that exhaust you, where at the basis of everything there is the request for a minimum of inclusion. In 2024 where there is talk of returning to isolated classes, such as I can claim to convey the need not to “cage” people with disabilities, completely isolated? How can I make it clear that the disabled person and their companion also want to be able to hug each other between one melody and another? Holding hands — writes Sabine —— swaying, singing together is the emotional side of every symphony. As I write these lines, I think about yesterday (Sunday 5 May, ed.) and I am sad. I found yet another compromise and, giving up my group of friends, I observed Matteo from a distance. For her friend I extorted a space, there, nearby, standing in the corridor. The hug and the handshake were prevented by heatless scrap metal, the hands were freezing. Fortunately, few have a mother’s eyes. Probably, it will only be them: parents, children, siblings, friends of people in wheelchairs who are not self-sufficient, who will understand exactly what I’m talking about. A different world unto itself. Simply between us.”
«Battle of civilizations»
On the phone, then, Sabine confides: «If I had known that Matteo would have been placed on that platform in the Arena, without being able to attend the concert near us, I would have canceled everything. For days I had called to inquire, without getting a response. Could I return to the Arena for one of the many concerts and popular events scheduled? Honestly, after Sunday’s experience, I’m ruling it out for now.” Since 2012 Sabine has chaired the «Amigos de Matteo odv» association to help other families deal with disability and is on the front line for inclusion: writer, consultant, author of integration and inclusion projects, for her commitment she has received the honor of Knight of the Republic in 2020. «Mine – she says – is a battle of civilization, to stay close, not divided and distant …».
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May 10, 2024
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