In every issue our newsletter we introduce you to one of the people leading the work of our member organisations. In this edition, we head to Bologna (Italy) to talk to Gloria Tinazzi, development director at OpenGroup social cooperative and member of ARFIE Board.
ARFIE: How would you describe your organisation?
Gloria: I would describe OpenGroup As a social enterprise with a thousand members and employees working in various sectors: disability, migrant support, drug addiction support, services for children and young people, library, museum, and archive management, and digital activities. At OpenGroup we are passionately committed to the development of the areas where we operate (Bologna, its province, and other regions of Italy). Together with individuals and communities, we design new trajectories to intercept tomorrow’s changes. We believe in the well-being of the people who work for us and invest in the growth of these areas. Each area of Open Group operations is specialized and enriches the group with its knowledge, in order to better respond to the needs of those who look for us. The inter-sectorial approach is a valuable asset that helps us to consider each person as having a multitude of resources and needs, allowing us to design activities and services in a cross-cutting manner, e.g., the dimension of migrants with disabilities (and vice versa), drug addicts with disabilities and/or migrants, etc. A challenge that starts from the cultural dimension in which persons live and are integrated. We put people at the center, each with their own resources, believing that only by working together can we bring about change.
We accept the challenge for a sustainable future and innovative growth and adapt our strategies accordingly to achieve the goals of the UN 2030 Agenda. We believe in a culture based on respect and appreciation of all forms of diversity, and we support inclusion and gender equality. We do this through concrete actions to ensure respect for all people in the Open Group. We have adopted a policy that summarises our gender policies (D0502-125 rev03 Gender Policies). Thanks to these policies, we have obtained the Uni/PdR 125:2022 certification (gender equality management system). Language and communication are our primary tools for spreading and consolidating a truly inclusive culture, which is why we have adopted the “Quel genere di parole” (That kind of words) guidelines.
ARFIE: Why did you join ARFIE and how would you describe it to a stranger?
Gloria: We joined ARFIE since it’s setting up back in 1992 as we consider the European dimension to be a valuable opportunity to reflect on issues affecting people with disabilities, moving beyond the dynamics of our local area and planning specific projects from a broader perspective that includes discussion, the exchange of good practices, the construction of common paths, research and reflection on various issues, and—most importantly—the possibility of gradually influencing the European policies that touch the interests we represent.
I would describe it to a stranger as an organization that, with consistency and determination, through the passion of its members and its president who has always been present and active with attention and expertise, has addressed many issues concerning disability, enriching the lives of our organization with projects and reflections. Over the years, step by step, it has managed to equip itself with a director present in every project who supports the networks, fosters relationships, and supports organizations during the development of each project. In practice, it is an organization that grows in line with its concrete possibilities for organizational development. Through ARFIE, the European dimension has entered and consolidated itself within my organization, broadening the horizons of our professionals, but also of the people who use our services.
ARFIE: What about Italy? How is disability perceived in your Country?
Gloria: In Italy disability is often seen as a matter of rights, inclusion, and social participation by people who, in various capacities and at various levels, are connected to people with disabilities, including professionals. In general, while recognizing the right of non-discrimination and inclusion, these concepts often remain on paper, contradicted by behaviors, urban planning (see accessibility in urban centers), and policies that do not take into account the interaction of every person with the environment, not simply their deficits; their resources, not merely their shortcomings. Since the 1980s, much has been done and achieved in terms of evolving from a vision of mere assistance, thanks primarily to our Constitution and international alignment. Acting with strength and substance at a cultural level could prevent the risk of a new slide backwards, given the scarcity of dedicated resources. The risk—already visible—is that we could easily slide towards ableism.
ARFIE: Who are your key partners?
Gloria: Our key partners in the country are Social cooperatives, family associations, social services, public administrations, universities, and training agencies.
ARFIE: What are the main challenges for Italy today?
Gloria: The major challenges for Italy today is the free movement of all individuals with known and recognized rights and duties, and with the appropriate tools to exercise them.
ARFIE: To conclude tell us something about you? Do you have any hobby?
Gloria: My hobbies are mainly writing, hiking, yoga, holistic healing, knitting… I also like reading literature and essays.
In my free time I like to walk, listening to music, spending time and doing activities with friends (a few at a time), cooking, reading, contemplating nature