Mobilità n. 7 - Marzo/Aprile 2000

Mobilità no. 7 - Abstracts

• Original Title: Italian Beauty
  Topic: Editorial.
  Author: Franco Bomprezzi - Journalist - Editor of Mobilità.
  Abstract: There is, Bomprezzi argues, a big difference between the statement of principle or between laws and their enforcement in practice. Social conquests, and with them the quality of life of persons with disabilities, are in danger of being extremely precarious, linked as they are to political equilibria. "Mobilità" - which will continue to be distributed free-of-charge - will contribute to the development of issues regarding the protection of the rights of weaker parties, for policies of inclusion and equal opportunity.

• Original Title: Chi Ti ha dato la patente? La Costituzione
  (Who Gave You a Licence? The Constitution)
  Topic: Italian legislation and the driver's licence.
  Author: Raffaello Belli - Expert in legislative matters relating to persons with disabilities
  Abstract: For persons with disabilities to find themselves refused a driver's licence is practically equivalent to becoming prisoners in their own homes. However, many legal problems make it difficult to obtain this document. Some solutions to this problem can already to be found in the Italian Constitution.
  In the box in the margin, two books by the same Author relating to the right of disabled persons to build an independent way of life and how to go about it are presented.

• Original Title: Ai tempi di Gambadilegno
  (Way Back When)
  Topic: Italian legislation and the driver's licence.
  Author: Antonio Ridolfi - Expert in legislative matters relating to persons with disabilities
  Abstract: In Italy, we are conditioned by regulations that are not in harmony with technological advances or with the capacities acquired by individuals. So it came about, in our country, that from 1991 on, whoever had been amputated on under the knee or on the upper limbs could not ride a motorbike. And yet riding modifications exist, they are safe and provide workable solutions. And just consider that, indeed, from the 1950's up until 1991, legislation allowed persons with lower limb disabilities to ride two-wheel vehicles.

• Original Title: Cari mobili, mettetevi comodi
  (Dear Furniture, Make Yourself Comfortable)
  Topic: Safe and accessible furniture and fittings.
  Author: Piera Nobili - Architect and member of CERPA.
  Abstract: Analysis of everyday gestures, of the way we move around the objects in our homes, of the materials and technologies with which the latter are manufactured: here are the three pivots around which the design of furnishings revolve. Some short words of advice are given about making our home safe, accessible and, why not?, enjoyable and attractive..

• Original Title: I sensori, utili e sensibili
  (Useful and "Sensitive" Sensors)
  Topic: Technology for independent living.
  Author: Massimo Guerreschi - Engineer and expert in computer tools for persons with disabilities.
  Abstract: Second part of a series dedicated to analysing the features that buttons, levers and other sensors should have so that persons with serious disabilities can use computers and other tools.

• Original Title: Il telefono, la mia voce
  (The Telephone, My Voice)
  Topic: Accessible mobile telephones.
  Author: Aldo Miceli
  Abstract: It is not easy to chose and buy a mobile telephone, especially if you are disabled. Firstly, you need to carefully identify your needs, then to examine the products and services offered by the network provider. Miceli carried out experiments and ergonomic tests, and he gives us his rating of several telephones, services and accessory kits, whilst awaiting a mobile telephone which fully functions by means of voice commands.

• Original Title: Sotto la luna di Ermes
  (Under Hermes' Moon)
  Topic: Accessible tourism.
  Author: Roberto Vitali
  Abstract: Hermes, proprietor of a tavern in Modena, seems to have very particular ideas about a great number of things, especially about the term "accessibility". However, his place is so special for its food and for its atmosphere - which even allows you take part in traditional "chit-chat" - to make it unique. In any case, there you will find courtesy and hospitality.

• Original Title: Un'assicurazione blindata
  (Armour-plated Insurance)
  Topic: Insurance and social security.
  Author: Salvatore Di Salvo - Financial consultant.
  Abstract: Parents who wish to build an economically secure future for their children who are not able to do so on their own find it difficult to orient themselves in the investment market. The case examined in this article relates to the parents of a child with Down's syndrome. The solution proposed by the Author is a life-long insurance policy: more expensive but much more secure than the others.

• Original Title: Navigare sì, oltre Oceano
  (Yes, Navigate, over the Ocean)
  Topic: Buying on the Internet.
  Author: Carlo Giacobini
  Abstract: The first part of a voyage through the world of e-commerce. The indication of a number of sites where it is possible to buy aids for the elderly and for persons with disabilities on-line. Advice about the procedures involved in the purchase and shipment as well as matters relating to customs. Yes, because for buying aids via computer, the consumer is almost obliged to contact organisations involved in electronic commerce with offices outside Italy.

• Original Title: Wilma, dammi la leva!
  (Wilma, Give Me the Lever)
  Topic: Driving modifications.
  Author: A reader - discussion.
  Abstract: Our reader makes several criticisms of a driving modification - the long-arm lever that works the break - which seems completely obsolete: it is inefficient, it is cumbersome, it is not safe and it requires expensive modifications to be made to a car. Furthermore, from the letter, a basic question emerges: when will the bureaucrats who impose and authorise the installation of these devices demonstrate that their attitude is more dynamic and that they are professionally more up-to-date?

• Original Title: In Breve
  (Column - In Brief)
  Topic: News in brief.
  Author: Editorial Staff of Mobilità.
  Abstract:
  - A multi-modified substitute car (also able to be used by driving schools) available in Leghorn.
  - Services for persons with disabilities who wish to attend performances of the classics at the Greek Theatre of Syracuse.
  - Three cars modified for the widest pathologies (hemiplegia, paraplegia, quadriplegia) which can be hired in Florence.
  - New edition of the volume "Civil Invalidity under Legislation in Force" by Martino Scorda. Civil invalidity under Italian law relates to those persons with mental or physical incapacities giving them reduced capacity to work or making it impossible for them to do so. They have the right to an invalidity pension under the social security system.
  - First judgment against a design engineer who had not complied with the provisions on architectural barriers.
  - New tax benefits introduced in favour of the visually and aurally disabled. Persons with an intellective disability and their family members still excluded from tax benefits relating to means of transport.

• Original Title: Lettere a Mobilità
  (Column - Letters to Mobilità)
  Topic: Letters from readers..
  Author: Editorial Staff of Mobilità.
  In this Issue questions to and answers of the experts on:
  - aids distributed by the National Health Service;
  - architectural barriers;
  - renewal of the vouchers for parking in areas reserved for persons with disabilities.

Il presente articolo è di esclusiva proprietà di Mobilità Servizi sas.
Ogni riproduzione, su qualsiasi supporto, senza preventiva autorizzazione dell'Editore, è vietata.