Francesca, you’ve been part of the European Disability Forum (EDF) and the World Blind Union (WBU) Youth Committees, you coordinated the European Blind Union (EBU) Youth Network in the past and now you’re here talking to us as the Chairwoman of EBU’s Advocacy Committee. First of all, a background question: you started your journey as a disability advocate at the age of 23. When did you decide to follow the path of advocating for the rights of persons with visual impairment? Was there any turning point in your life?
My commitment to advocacy grew progressively, shaped both by my personal experience and my environment. As a young partially sighted woman, raised in a family of persons with disabilities and spending the first part of my life in a rural area, I experienced first-hand what it means to navigate systems that are not designed with persons with disabilities in mind. In Italy, students with disabilities attend mainstream school and they get some support, but all the same I had to face a number of obstacles that made me want to engage so that others after me do not encounter the same difficulties. Therefore, my desire to change things brought me to a rather early involvement in the visual disability movement, at first at regional and then national level within the Italian Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted.
A second turning point was when I began engaging at international level through the European Blind Union and the European Disability Forum youth groups. That experience taught me a great deal not only about technical aspects of advocacy, but also the importance of belonging to a united movement. By interacting with persons with other conditions, I have become more aware of the specific needs of people with different types of disabilities and that it is essential that we join our efforts to make our voices heard in Europe and beyond.
Your advocacy career began in Italy in the early 2010s, may we know what the main developments for persons with visual disabilities have been and what is the current situation of blind and partially sighted people in Italy?
In Italy, the 2010s and early 2020s were marked by improvements in technical provision, employment policies, and digital inclusion (also through updates to the so-called Stanca Law on the accessibility of public websites, a law that foreran the digital accessibility contents of the European Accessibility Act). A broader cultural shift has moved from an assistance-based model to a rights-based approach. Since 2021, Italy is also undergoing a reform of disability legislation to enhance individualised life projects and simplify disability assessment and coordination of services.
Today there are important positive elements in Italy, such as inclusive education, which is generally the norm. However, this does not mean the system is fully effective. There are still gaps in support, accessibility, and resources, especially when it comes to teaching aids and trained personnel.
Employment remains a critical challenge. People with disabilities face significantly higher unemployment rates, and even when employed, the quality of jobs is often limited. The transition from education to employment in the open labour market is still very difficult, due to various reasons that can occur separately or in combination: educational services that are not always able to adequately support visually impaired students’ needs, lack of personalised job orientation, poor accessibility of post-school specialisation courses, lack of Diversity and Inclusion awareness at work.
Accessibility of services, mobility, and independent living also remain areas where further progress is needed.
In general, what are the strengths and weaknesses of European countries when it comes to protecting the rights of blind and partially sighted people? What role can you play in this context?
At European level, one of the main strengths is the existence of a shared legislative and policy framework, such as the European Accessibility Act and the EU Strategy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. These create a strong foundation for advancing rights. However, weaknesses lie in implementation, fragmentation between Member States, and gaps in legislation. For example, accessibility requirements do not yet fully cover areas such as the built environment, transport, or tourism. Freedom of movement is also limited in practice, as disability status and support systems are not mutually recognised across countries, although the EU Disability Card is a first step towards reaching this objective.
Through my work with the European Blind Union, I give my contribution by strengthening advocacy efforts at EU level, building alliances, and pushing for more ambitious and inclusive policies and legislation implementation.
Coming back to EDF, the EBU has designated you as its candidate in the upcoming elections to the EDF Board. Having worked for the European Blind Union for many years, and bearing in mind your current role, how do you think your advocacy expertise can best serve the European Disability Forum’s mission as the biggest umbrella organisation for persons with disabilities in Europe?
My experience combines grassroots understanding of what multiple discrimination means with institutional engagement. Through my roles within EBU and EDF, I have developed skills in advocacy, campaigning, and policy dialogue, as well as in coordinating projects and working within complex networks. If I am elected, I would do my best to bring a Diversity and Inclusion perspective into the EDF governing bodies: I will do my best to listen to and represent adequately the interests of all persons with disabilities, in particular those who struggle more to make their needs known. I would also focus on strengthening cooperation between organisations, ensuring that advocacy is both ambitious and inclusive, and reinforcing EDF’s role as the leading umbrella organization in Europe.
How do you see the combination of experience and youth as a tool to promote inclusion and diversity?
The combination of experience and youth is essential. Youth brings new perspectives, energy, and innovation, while experience provides continuity, knowledge, and strategic understanding.
I have personally benefited from mentorship and long-term collaboration, which helped me grow within the movement. At the same time, I have worked to empower young people, for example by contributing to the development of youth networks and training programs.
Inclusion and diversity require intergenerational dialogue. Only by combining these elements we can build a movement that is both forward-looking and grounded.
And finally, a final wish or comment that you would like to share to the disability community across Europe. In case you’re elected, what would your priorities be?
My wish is for a disability movement that is united, courageous, and brings in the energies of our young members in a forward-looking approach. We must continue to build bridges, break down barriers, and ensure that no one is left behind.
If elected, my priorities would include:
- Strengthening accessibility across all areas of life
- Advancing inclusive education and quality employment opportunities
- Promoting mutual recognition of disability status across the EU
- Supporting the development of accessible technologies
- Ensuring that all voices within the disability community are heard and represented
Above all, I will listen, represent, and act with determination to advance our shared goals and strengthen our collective impact across Europe.