2007 European Year of Equal Opportunity for All
by Rodolfo Cattani
Eliminating barriers, inequalities
and discrimination.
The Istituto Cavazza
and
the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio of Bologna
have
gotten together again to present an important book: (Translation) "The new
horizons of autonomy. Four years of Project C.I.F.R.A.", a book that describes
the goals that were reached during the course of these years by C.I.F.R.A, the
Centre for Integration, Training, Rehabilitation, and Autonomy of persons who
are blind and visually impaired.
Innovative and permanent services, cultural
events, opportunities to meet: the results are numerous thanks to the commitment
of those, and there are so many, who have supported Project C.I.F.R.A. and
worked within its framework.
The book is a direct testimony of the value of services created to encourage
the independence and integration of people with a sensory disability. The
Istituto Cavazza and the Fondazione really wanted this book which was designed
by Studio Ondecomunicazione and its pages are enriched by the collaboration of
photographers and illustrators. With quotes from well-known authors and
descriptive texts, "The New Horizons of Autonomy" brings the reader in a world
far too unknown and demonstrates its creative potential with the use of
technologies, with the variety
of
initiatives and the intensity with which these are put into place. The book,
printed by Grafiche Damiani, is presented with dull edges with the idea to
communicate even in the graphic design the philosophy at the basis of Project
C.I.F.R.A.: to overcome obstacles and barriers to create a new autonomy and new
opportunities.
From the time of Louis Braille to this day, inventions and
technologies have asserted the right to a better life beyond prejudice and
discrimination. So many have come to the launching of the book at the meeting
room of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio of Bologna to learn about the history
of Project C.I.F.R.A. Pier Michele Borra, President of the Istituto Cavazza, and
Mario Barbuto, its Director, were there to talk about it, as well as Fabio
Roversi Monaco, President of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio of Bologna, and
Giorgio Stupazzoni, Coordinator of the Social Interventions Commission of the
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio of Bologna. With passion and competence the
presenters explained the value of Project C.I.F.R.A. in a room full of
personalities, young people, interested crowd and enthusiasts of the work.
Besides presenting what has been done, the presenters also expressed the will
and commitment to pursue new projects in the future, thanks to the Fondazione
Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna and to the commitment of the Istituto
Cavazza. Under favourable auspices - as written in the book by Ernesto Dini,
Council of the Istituto Cavazza and member of the Collegio di Indirizzo of the
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio in Bologna - "let this marvelous, precious, and
supportive collaboration be renewed and be yet stronger in a spirit of common
and shared experience."