“Architectural barriers represent an obstacle for the numerous citizens with fragility. They prevent them from full accessibility and participation in the services that the city offers in daily life. In the city of Forlì these problems are particularly evident, especially with reference to accessibility and social inclusion. These principles are essential for each individual to aspire to their own personal fulfillment. People with disabilities or fragility are not second-class individuals, they represent that part of Forlì that makes it equally special and unique”. Thus Matteo Gironi, candidate councilor of the civic list “RinnoviAmo Forlì” in support of the centre-left mayoral candidate Graziano Rinaldini.
Special elections: all the information to vote
“I have experienced many inconveniences of this type myself – he says -. Several years ago, I happened to be denied access to a bus because it was not adequately equipped, while I was on a trip with my classmates. I had to ask my circle of known people for assistance.
I would like to draw attention to the various daily inconveniences resulting from architectural barriers, experienced daily by us people with a physical disability: Difficulty in easily accessing many public buildings in our area, and therefore the services offered because they are not equipped, for example, with ramps or elevators, Extreme complexity in the use of public transport because it lacks adequate equipment to break down any barriers, Obstacles to accessing public spaces, such as parks, museums or squares, Inconvenience due to the lack of attention of the rest of the citizens which does not facilitate transit to the areas reserved for us people with fragility. Very often, even if an area is designed and prepared for people who have particular needs, in practice it is not a given that certain structures can still be used independently”.
Read ForlìToday news on WhatsApp
“These situations contribute to creating further discomfort and a sense of exclusion. To resolve these problems and shortcomings I want to propose practical solutions. Among the proposals put forward, there is the improvement of the pavements to facilitate the transit of people with motor disabilities – continues Gironi -. this follows the installation of ramps and lifts in public buildings, the use of clear and tactile signs to facilitate the orientation of people with visual impairments, and raising awareness among citizens of the different needs of people with fragility. Organizations that hold power decision-making on city interventions must place particular importance on how to develop these improvement works, listening to the voices of citizens who need these services. Only through a concrete and collective commitment will it be possible to transform Forlì into a welcoming and truly inclusive city for all its inhabitants. I would like my candidacy for city councilor with the list to be an incentive for this way of working together. I want to work for the common good and for a more equitable city reality, so that certain uncomfortable situations are never repeated again.”
