Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society, on an equal basis, with others.
In Italy, the rights of persons with disabilities, including refugees, asylum seekers, and stateless persons, are recognized and guaranteed, and they can seek assistance through specialized services.
Rights and Social Welfare
Italian law recognizes a broad set of rights and targeted protection or support measures for persons with disabilities, including in the healthcare, educational, and social welfare sectors.
The enjoyment of some social welfare benefits is subject to the prior official recognition of your disability. To obtain this recognition, you must file an official request, the “Domanda di invalidità civile e accertamento sanitario”. Foreign non-EU citizens are eligible to apply for this recognition under the only condition of regularly residing in Italy with a residence permit of at least one year. It is possible to file the request on the website of INPS or through any “Patronato” (specific trade unions’ offices) or authorized organizations of persons with disabilities (such as ANMIC, ENS, UIC, ANFASS).
You can find more information on how to submit this request on the website of INPS (only in Italian language) or find services close to you that can assist you through the application process.
On the website of the Ministry for Disabilities (mostly in Italian language), you can find general information about changes in the legal framework, including news regarding social welfare benefits or protection/support measures.
Available services
In Italy, various services are dedicated to ensuring better access to rights, opportunities, and care for persons with disabilities, including refugees, asylum seekers and stateless persons.
On Juma Map, a map of services available for free, you can find more than 200 organizations providing assistance to Persons with Disabilities.
To find the one closest to you:
- Open the map
- Open the filter window and go to the “Servizi” filter
- Click on the “Assistenza alle persone con disabilità” box and explore the map
“Franco Bomprezzi” Anti-discrimination Center
If you have experienced or witnessed discrimination based on a disability, you can receive support!
Through the “Franco Bomprezzi” Anti-discrimination Center, the organization LEDHA provides people with disabilities, their families, and their organizations free legal assistance to defend their rights.
People with disabilities who believe they are victims of discrimination and anyone else who considers themselves a witness of discrimination can contact the “Franco Bomprezzi” Anti-discrimination Center at their:
- Email address: [email protected]
- Telephone number: 026570425 – From Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30 – 13.00
