The Independent Life of Persons with Disabilities in Puglia: An Analysis of the Pro.V.I. Projects Grant

Pagliara, Silvio M.

;Zanfardino, Franceso;Lazzarotto, Anna;Spera, Antonio;de Giosa, Valentina;Pantaleo, Giorgia

2024-01-01

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Abstract

The UN Convention advocates for disabled individuals’ rights to live independently and be included in the community. Despite global commitments, barriers like inaccessible housing and insufficient support prevail. Italy’s Puglia region addresses these through the Pro.V.I. initiative (Progetto Vita Indipendente), marking progress towards transforming rights into tangible life improvements. This study evaluates Pro.V.I.‘s impact on persons with disabilities in Puglia using the Individually Prioritised Problem Assessment (IPPA) to analyze data from 40 beneficiaries before and after the initiative. Findings indicate significant enhancements in autonomy, social participation, and overall quality of life. AT Centers, Assistive technologies and personalized support boosted self-determination and societal integration, while advances in home autonomy and technology access were crucial in realizing personal goals. Results underscore a strong correlation between regional efforts for independent living, the role of the GLIC AT Centers in introducing technology and life quality improvements for people with disabilities. This case study contributes to discussions on social policies supporting autonomy, highlighting the wider implications for enhancing global independent living conditions for the disabled. Pro.V.I’s success demonstrates how collective commitment can overcome barriers, setting a precedent for future disability rights and social inclusion advancements.