Disability: Sapienza University launches an observatory for students and recent graduates

A joint observatory to monitor the difficulties faced by students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties during their university studies, improve the quality of the services provided for them, and develop specific measures to support recent graduates as they enter the world of work.

This is one of the key new developments in the memorandum of understanding signed today by the Vice-Chancellor of Sapienza, Antonella Polimeni, and the Regional Ombudsman for the Protection of People with Disabilities for the Lazio Region, Anna Teresa Formisano. The agreement establishes a long-term partnership between the two institutions to promote inclusion, accessibility and the protection of rights through research, training, monitoring and awareness-raising activities.

“By signing this agreement, Sapienza is taking a further step towards a broad and integrated vision of inclusion and equal opportunities. – said Vice-Chancellor Antonella Polimeni – ‘The collaboration with the Regional Ombudsman for the Protection of People with Disabilities broadens our University’s scope for action and enables us to make the initiatives already underway even more effective, coordinated and measurable. The agreement fits fully and coherently within the programme of actions and investments that Sapienza has been pursuing over the last six years to make our university a benchmark for inclusion and the right to education. The joint observatory will serve as a permanent platform for listening and monitoring and will further strengthen the University’s existing capacity to identify the barriers faced by students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties (SLDs) during their university studies and in their transition to the world of work, enabling us to develop increasingly timely and appropriate responses. For Sapienza, inclusion means transforming principles into rights, services and concrete opportunities, so that every student can participate fully in university life and freely shape their own future.”

‘I am delighted to have reached this important collaboration agreement with Sapienza University of Rome. This agreement represents a crucial step towards strengthening policies on inclusion, protection and raising awareness for people with disabilities. Thanks to this joint initiative, we will be able to develop research, training programmes and practical measures to improve the quality of life and opportunities for all people with disabilities. This achievement reaffirms our ongoing commitment to promoting a more inclusive society that respects the rights of everyone.” So said Anna Teresa Formisano, Regional Ombudsman for the Protection of People with Disabilities for the Lazio Region.

The Joint Observatory will carry out systematic monitoring and analysis of the difficulties encountered by students with disabilities and specific learning difficulties during their studies and when accessing university services. The evidence gathered will enable the identification of critical issues, guide the university’s interventions and make support and tutoring activities more effective.