Mobilità n. 8 - Maggio/Giugno 2000

Mobilità n. 8 - Abstracts

• Original Title: Il gioco di squadra. (Teamwork)
  Topic: Editorial.
  Author: Franco Bomprezzi - Journalist - Editor of Mobilità.
  Abstract:
  Bomprezzi reports on the appointment of two new technical commissions by those responsible at the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Health. The former will provide local medical Commissions with updates on technical and scientific progress in the field of driving modification, while the latter will closely study legal arguments related to assistance from prostheses and related requisites concerning quality. The expectations that their work will be fruitful are good. It is, however, necessary that all interested parties carry out their roles with humility and without loosing sight of the final objective. Like in a good football team.

• Original Title: In punta di dita. (On the Tip of a Finger)
  Topic: Driving with the joystick.
  Author: Andrea Pedrana.
  This is a panoramic review of modifications that aim at giving full autonomy back to quadriplegic persons. These include joysticks, wheel chairs modified for driving, platform lifts, anchors and equipment for the automation of the various driving functions. Solutions which are also available in Italy, like the system designed by the research laboratory of the Telethon Foundation, described in the box, are set out.

• Original Title: Naturalmente liberi. (Naturally Free)
  Topic: Accessible green belts.
  Author: Lucia Lancerin - Architect - Member of CERPA.
  Abstract:
  Green belts are bearers of environmental and psychological well-being. It is not difficult nor costly to create paths that make them enjoyable for everyone. In this article by Lancerin, who is an architect, some - detailed - advice is given about designing green belts that respect the natural equilibrium and that are also easily accessible to children, the disabled and the elderly. In the box, there is a brief description of the activities of CERPA,"Centro Europeo di Ricerca e Promozione dell'Accessibilità" [European Centre for the Study and Promotion of Accessibility].

• Original Title: Le Tastiere a video (Video Keyboards.
  Topic: Technology for independent living.
  Author: Massimo Guerreschi - Engineer and expert in computer tools for persons with disabilities.
  Abstract:
  Do you need to have hands to use a computer keyboard? Not always. With video keyboard emulators, it is sufficient to be able to control a movement in any part of the body. Press, pull, push, blow, all are fine, as long as a sensor which can be activated with that kind of movement is identified. Furthermore, the system may be made faster by using various algorithms for predicting words, a kind of personalised prompter.
  The activities of GLIC, a structure which aims at improving the positive impact of technological progress on the quality of life of persons with disabilities are described in the box.

• Original Title: Colazione da Sergio (Breakfast at Sergio's).
  Topic: Self-help aids
  Author: Editorial Staff of Mobilità.
  Abstract:
  We will fix 50% of you up, the rest of the work you will have to do yourself -. Brutal words, these, said by a doctor to Sergio, whose story is told in this article.As we said, brutal words, but stimulating ones. Sergio took them literally, he has taken the situation completely into his own hands, and has designed and had a series of ingenious objects constructed for his daily life that have made him self sufficient in doing many of his personal tasks and in his work.

• Original Title: Tra cascate e folletti (Among Waterfalls and Elves)
  Topic: Accessible tourism.
  Author: Roberto Vitali.
  Abstract:
  The first thing that strikes you is the constant noise which is like a avalanche. 165 meters of spray, froth, water in all its forms and dimensions, divided into three different branches: it is the Marmore Waterfall. Once again, Vitali takes us on an itinerary that will enable us to visit the falls and other charming places of the Terni Basin. There could not fail to be helpful suggestions about where to eat well and to sleep in this article by our "enogastronomic expert on wheels".

• Original Title: 2006, la grande sfida di Torino (2006, The Great Challenge of Turin)
  Topic: Winter Paraolympics of 2006.
  Author: Interview by Franco Bomprezzi.
  Abstract:
  The Winter Paraolympics of 2006 represent an occasion for Italy to reflect in global terms on a model for urban and environmental accessibility, mobility and tourism for all. This is an enlightening interview on the eventual impact of the sports meeting on the cultural and economic domains and in the sectors of research, manufacturing and infrastructure. Tiziana Nasi, the regional head of the Italian Federation of Sport for the Disabled, provides some information about the organisation and objectives of the event.

• Original Title: Solo per consumatori navigati (Only for Expert "Navigator"-Consumers)
  Topic: E-commerce and the disabled
  Author: Carlo Giacobini.
  Abstract:
  After expressing views that were not totally favourable, published in the last Issue, the Author takes a kind of supplementary look at the world of Italian e-commerce. The evaluation criteria are user friendliness, accessibility, simplicity of the language and navigation and quality of the information about the products, especially about price and product guarantees. Simple and precise information is given so the user does not get lost, or waste time, on the "net".

• Original Title: Elicottero sì, pulmino no (Helicopter yes, Minibus no.)
  Topic: Taxation regulations and voluntary workers.
  Author: Editorial Staff of Mobilità.
  Abstract:
  A singular, as well as erroneous, reading of the framework law on voluntary work prevents some Regions in Italy from applying the regulations on the exemption from VAT for the purchase of means of transport by voluntary workers' associations. In order to enforce the law in a uniform way, it would be sufficient for the Minister of Finance to express an opinion. Unfortunately, these associations, whose work is often praised by even the highest authorities in the State, have been waiting in vain for this for eight years.

• Original Title: Ma almeno poter studiare. (But At Least to be Able to Study).
  Topic: The school and disabilities.
  Author: Flavio Fogarolo - Documentation and Training Centre of the Provincial Education Office of Vicenza.
  Abstract:
  Technology offers new opportunities to access knowledge. And yet, just as an encyclopædia may be difficult to consult for both a disabled person with impaired movement and, let us say, for a visually impaired person, even most multimedia works are created systematically ignoring the needs of persons with disabilities. We find ourselves faced with a new generation of barriers: no longer simply architectural barriers but also information technology barriers. In order to attempt to reverse this trend, the Ministry of Education would need to provide (or, better still, to impose) standards relating to the quality and accessibility at least on products of which it is the main purchaser.

• Original Title: Column - In Brief
  Topic: News in brief.
  Author: Editorial Staff of Mobilità.
  Abstract:
  - An amendment (which is not yet law) has been passed which may in the future allow VAT to be reduced for the purchase of motor vehicles and for the exemption from stamp duty for the blind and the deaf.
  - Two new publications have appeared relating to the city of Udine: "Guide to Accessible Itineraries" and "Guide to Accessibility".
  - A great deal of information is given on hotels, hostels, farm holidays and beaches in the new edition of the tourist guidebook "Accessible Holidays".
  - At Ferrara, the date for the opening of "Easy", the exhibition on tourism, sport, culture and leisure time for the disabled and the elderly has been postponed for a month.
  - At Lingotto, Turin, from 18 to 20 November, "Ability" will be back again. In parallel, at the same location as "Tecn Help", there will be an exhibition of projects, aids and technologies for persons with disabilities.
  - The Ministry of Health has set up a commission which will prepare the next draft of the Tariff Nomenclator of Aid.. We have published a list of the names of the members of the commission.
  - We have also published a list of the members of the new Technical Committee (appointed by the Ministry of Transport) that should deal with driving and special drivers' licences.
  - New simulation and role-playing techniques are used in urban planning,. They are illustrated in the volume "SIMBA; Simulation on Mobility and Traffic in Bassano del Grappa".

• Original Title: Column - Letters to Mobilità.
  Topic: Letters from readers.
  Author: Editorial Staff of Mobilità.
  In this Issue questions to and answers of the experts on:
  - reductions in telephone bills for the disabled and the elderly;
  - is it possible to postpone the time for starting work of a disabled person who has to be accompanied?;
  - tax benefits and the installation of gas tanks for cars;
  - is the accompanying person's allowance cumulative with the communication allowance reserved for deaf and dumb persons?;
  - work permits that relatives of persons with severe disabilities have a right to;
  - possibility of obtaining stairway chairlifts on a gratuitous loan for use basis.

Write to us! Send your opinions and queries to the Editorial Staff of Mobilità, via P. Toselli, 15 - I-50144 FLORENCE. Telephone and fax 0039 055 355 518. E-mail: redazione@mobilita.com

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