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Disability, Rehabilitation, and Assistive Technologies for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Italy: Policies and Challenges

Author

Listed:
  • Marco Tofani

    (Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Silvia Iorio

    (Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

  • Anna Berardi

    (Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Neuromed IRCCS, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy)

  • Giovanni Galeoto

    (Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Neuromed IRCCS, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy)

  • Antonella Conte

    (Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Neuromed IRCCS, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy)

  • Giovanni Fabbrini

    (Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Neuromed IRCCS, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy)

  • Donatella Valente

    (Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
    Neuromed IRCCS, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy)

  • Maurizio Marceca

    (Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Good health and well-being for all, including those with disabilities, is one of the main sustainable development goals. Data on refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities are limited. Refugees have poor access to rehabilitation and assistive technologies, although laws and policies in Italy guarantee this type of healthcare. However, there are several limitations to the successful implementation of these services. First, the national health system is regionally based, and therefore healthcare facilities and services vary in terms of quality in different regions. A link between reception centers and the healthcare system is therefore highly recommended, because only 10 out of 20 regions have specific services for refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities. Second, only 2% of the total available posts for hosting refugees are reserved for people with disabilities. The lack of a standardized vulnerability assessment represents the main barrier to the organization of specific services for migrants within the community. National stakeholders urgently need to collaborate in order to remove barriers to rehabilitation and assistive technology for refugees with disabilities. Initiatives should focus on health literacy and the empowerment of migrants, data collection on health, disability, and assistive technology, and the organization of community-based rehabilitation programs.

Suggested Citation

  • Marco Tofani & Silvia Iorio & Anna Berardi & Giovanni Galeoto & Antonella Conte & Giovanni Fabbrini & Donatella Valente & Maurizio Marceca, 2023. "Disability, Rehabilitation, and Assistive Technologies for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Italy: Policies and Challenges," Societies, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-9, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsoctx:v:13:y:2023:i:3:p:63-:d:1092230
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marco Tofani & Giuseppina Esposito & Anna Berardi & Giovanni Galeoto & Silvia Iorio & Maurizio Marceca, 2021. "Community-Based Rehabilitation Indicators: Validation and Preliminary Evidence for Disability in Italy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-10, October.
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