The president of the Lazio Region Francesco Roccain the presence of the councillors Massimiliano Maselli And Roberta Angelillisigned the memorandum of understanding to support “The best practices of sensorial calm” in favor of people with autism spectrum disordertogether with representatives of the trade associations of commercial activity operators: Federdistribuzione, Confcommercio Lazio, Confesercenti Lazio, National Association of Consumer Cooperatives (Ancc Coop), National Association of Retail Cooperatives – Ancd Conad, Italian Confederation of Small and Medium Industry ( Confapi) Lazio and Federlazio.
“This agreement with large-scale distribution – says Francesco Rocca, president of the Lazio Region – represents an important step towards creating a human-scale society and a social model based on solidarity and inclusion. I am proud that Lazio has embarked on a new course on disability policies, adding a new brick with the memorandum of understanding the ‘Good practices of sensorial calm’ in favor of people with autism spectrum disorder and their families, as well as to the laws approved on the Regional Guarantor for the protection of people with disabilities and on the Family Caregiver.
Let’s write another beautiful page, together with the trade associations of merchants, to whom I address, on behalf of myself and the Regional Council, a profound thank you. We will not tire of involving the active parts of regional society to promote inclusion, allocating more funds aimed at strengthening social policies: never one less resource”.
Periodically, participating traders will allow “sensory calm hours”, mitigating any sources of stress as much as possible, reducing visual and sound stimuli, helping to improve the conditions of use of the shopping environments, precisely of people with autism spectrum disorders. This is an initiative aimed at recognizing both the rights and dignity of people, as well as promoting greater integration of people with autism spectrum disorder into everyday life.
A real innovation, since the Lazio Region, through the indispensable contribution of large, medium and small distribution, promotes the social inclusion of people with disabilities more incisively for the breaking down of barriers not only of an architectural nature, but also of a sensorial or relational one.
“The sensorial calm project – he explained Massimiliano Maselli, councilor for Social Services, Disability, the Third Sector and Human Services – was born from a specific need, that of giving the right importance to the crucial role played by the aspect of sensoriality in autism. We know that in subjects with this disorder, perception occurs as if all five senses were activated simultaneously to capture information. So noises, lights and confusion can create enormous states of anxiety or obsessive behavior. We want to allow people with autism spectrum disorder and their families to be able to go to a supermarket on pre-established days and times and do their shopping in a situation of absolute tranquility, avoiding stressful situations as much as possible.
The recipe for an inclusive society that pays attention to the most vulnerable is to educate about respect and sharing. And you do this by working on everyday life, which can be, for example, simply going to the grocery store. With this initiative, the Lazio Region is sending a good signal: a truly welcoming society must make all aspects of existence accessible.”
For this reason, associated merchants will activate simple measures to facilitate reception and accessibility in commercial activities.
“We can only welcome with satisfaction – he underlined Roberta Angelilli, vice-president and councilor for Economic Development, Commerce, Crafts, Industry and Internationalization of the Lazio Region – the wide availability of the world of commerce and distribution, so that Lazio overcomes barriers and reduces distances. The good practices of sensorial calm, in favor of people with autism spectrum disorder and their families, are an example of civility and education of our society for a supportive and inclusive Region”.
Source: Lazio Region
