The National Congress of the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted was held – during month of October 2025 - in Palermo, Sicily region, the Island in the southern part of Italy, and was dedicated to the following important subject: “The future where the individual is at the centre”.
During the period since the establishment of the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted, in 1920, the Italian Union has organized twenty-six congresses and, during the last one, the members of the congress elected, for the third mandate, Mr. Mario Barbuto as President. The election reached outstanding numbers since he received 263 of 271 votes.
He thanked all the employees and the professionals who worked hard to make the congress possible, positive and smooth; he thanked all the Sicilian managers who supported the organization of the Congress as well as the Vice President for the engaging activities she developed during the three days in Palermo. And, last but not least, concerning the members of the Congress, and the people that accompany them, he recognized the importance of their role and of their participation.
During the congress, the working groups worked on five resolutions in different fields: from Work and Social Security to Equal opportunities, Gender equality, Young people, older Persons; from Tourism, Sports and Leisure Time to School, VET and Complex Disabilities as well as to Technology, Mobility, Guide Dogs and Independent Living.
There was also a special session dedicated to the Braille prize: the Braille Prize is awarded annually to individuals or institutions that distinguished themselves in promoting the rights of blind or partially sighted people in Italy. The National Presidency of the Union recognized the commitment of the Sicilian Region, through the Department of Vocational and Educational Training, in supporting the Braille Printing centre in Catania, "opening new futures for education, culture and school inclusion”.
Finally, President Barbuto promised to maintain a strong and independent Union, being able to face the difficult times that, unfortunately, are ahead for Blind and Partially Sighted persons in Italy and, at the same time, to develop advocacy activities and to guarantee the protection of the rights of Blind and Partially Sighted persons in our country.
By Mr. Hubert Perfler, member of the National Committee and President of the branch of region Friuli Venezia Giulia of Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted, EBU Board Member.