It’s an absolute first time “Put yourself in my shoes”which arrived yesterday, April 23, in Cremona campus of the Catholic University. The initiative is promoted by University inclusion services to raise awareness but also to experience firsthand the difficulties linked to different forms of disability. And after the great success of the last editions, it also embraces the Santa Monica campus for the first time.
The invitation is to put yourself in the shoes of those who face the challenges of disability every daybut also to discover the countless resources put in place to overcome them, opening up to a world of experiences and perspectives, which often escape those who do not experience them directly.
On the Cremona campus it was possible to take part, together with the students, teachers and technical-administrative staff, in real simulations (role taking) of visual or motor limitations, accompanied by students with disabilities in the role of tutors and volunteers. Furthermore, it will be possible to participate in workshops to experiment with the difficulties relating to hearing impairments, to learn about and try out the major accessible technologies: magnifying systems for reading, for accessing the computer, such as mice and joysticks, but also communication methods based on on eye pointers or by scanning.
«Put yourself in my shoes is not just a day of awareness, but it is a real invitation to have a concrete experience – says the Professor Luigi D’Alonzo, delegate of the Rector for the integration of students with disabilities and DSA – are the same tutors with disabilities who help their classmates to understand what it means to face their reality by participating in role taking activities. Many, putting themselves in other people’s shoes, realize that with everyone’s contribution, life can be easier for everyone.”
In recent years the work of the Inclusion Services at the Catholic University has sought to increasingly promote the culture of inclusion which – explains D’Alonzo – «is built on the foundations of the combination of charity and competence. The simple desire to help is too little, much more is needed. “Put yourself in my shoes” offers all participants food for critical reflection and a significant human experience.”
The initiative, promoted by the University Inclusion Services and financed using the fund for students with disabilities of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, is free and carried out in collaboration with Leonardo Ausilionline and sponsored by the Coordination of Lombardy universities for disabilities.
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