The Right Move: Helping Persons with Disabilities Gain More Independence

Through the NextGenerationEU funding instrument, Italy has received just over €194 billion in loans and grants, resulting in an ambitious, far-reaching Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). Among others, these funds have been invested in projects that seek to improve social and territorial cohesion, pursue sustainable growth and enhance institutional resilience. No less than €500,000,000 has been allocated to a project that aims to boost “Autonomy patterns for people with disabilities”. Lucia, a Roman resident with Down syndrome, is among those to benefit from the scheme.  

Under the initiative, Lucia has been living in a flat owned by the city of Rome. Along with other participants – who have varying kinds of special needs – she has been alternating her stay in living quarters provided by city authorities. In this way, the project accompanies beneficiaries as they make the transition towards independent living, with an apartment adapted to their specific requirements. In some cases, this has meant the removal or adjustment of architectural features or hindrances. In others, automation aids have been added, facilitating residents’ day-to-day living. 

To learn more, we spoke with Paola Siiino, a technical officer with the city of Rome, among those responsible for implementing the “Independent Living” project: 

What is the project’s objective?  

PS: Rome’s “Independent Living” project is one of a series launched with the help of government and EU funding across the country. They all share the goal of enhancing the autonomy of persons with disabilities. By renovating and adapting spaces on the one hand, and providing ICT solutions and training on the other, we want to facilitate beneficiaries’ first steps towards independence. Across Italy, the overall objective is to assist at least 5,000 persons with disabilities by the end of March 2026. 

“Rome’s “Independent Living” project is one of a series launched with the help of government and EU funding across the country.” 

– Paola Siino, Technical Officer for the city of Rome 

So the initiative doesn’t solely focus on housing? 

PS: No, boosting beneficiaries’ skills is also a major component, with an emphasis on digital skills in particular. In the end, we wish to enhance participants’ autonomy in every sense, with living quarters and skills being the two key pillars. Training programmes will offer them the chance to pursue professional opportunities and further education, which should provide a path to gaining an income and an occupation. In that sense, improving beneficiaries’ skills will help ensure their long-term autonomy beyond housing alone.  

“Across Italy, the overall objective is to assist at least 5,000 persons with disabilities by the end of March 2026.”  

– Paola Siino, Technical Officer for the city of Rome 

Has the project been a success? 

PS: I think so. We are very pleased with the results so far, but there is more work to be done. It all started with the “Casa Vitinia” in 2022, whereby a large dwelling was transformed into two apartments to accommodate 12 people. Access to training programmes was provided so that beneficiaries could fulfil their learning ambitions. Many projects have followed suit across Italy. Persons with disabilities face countless hurdles in their daily lives, so schemes like this are essential. They offer a path towards a more autonomous, more gratifying lifestyle. To make it happen, government and EU funding is vital. 

As Paola attests, the “Independent Living” project undertaken by the city of Rome is among many similar initiatives launched through the “Autonomy patterns for people with disabilities” investment programme. Part of a wider push to improve quality of life and equality of opportunity for persons with disabilities, such projects are a notable component of Italy’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP). They exemplify inclusivity's central role in our shared transition to a fairer future. Ultimately, a more inclusive, more caring society is also a more cohesive one; and NextGenerationEU is helping to move the dial on this front.