AIAS Bologna Onlus is an independent member driven Association (NGO) of persons with disabilities, their family members and friends. We support children and adults with disabilities and their families in overcoming disabling barriers and in reaching their full potential and fulfilled lives. Our vision is an inclusive society where all people that wish, independently of their condition, can participate on equal foot with others in all realms of life.

Since 1962, we have been advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities and their families Since its approval, we feel committed to the implementation of the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006). Through its 50 articles, the Convention indicates the path that Member States must travel to guarantee the rights of equality and social inclusion for all citizens with disabilities.

We support people with disabilities at home, in education, employment, social life, etc. Furthermore, we organize recreational and leisure activities, strolling around and holidays for children, teenagers and young adults with disabilities. Finally, for 45 years we employ well trained professionals, helping them to further develop their skills. Many of them have realised brilliant careers in the government, in educational or cultural institutions, or with other social and health care providers.

As a service provider we work in close collaboration with the network of local and regional social care and health services. Through our work we develop and disseminate new knowledge and we support public authorities, contributing to the definition of social and health policies and strategies. We deal with the most advanced experiences and organisations in Europe and contribute to the promotion of policies in favour of disabled people and their families and for the quality of services.

In order to reach our mission, we:

  • network with educational establishments and other public and private service providers in Bologna and beyond;
    provide day care and residential care;
  • operate a leading centre for assistive technology in Italy that supports people in identifying appropriate technologies to enhance their independence in many areas of life, including educational and social success and inclusion;
  • participate in international projects aiming at the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all realms of life, including political participation, such as the TIDE Project;
  • are active at international level in the promotion of policies favouring the rights of persons with disabilities also through European projects and strategic partnerships, e.g. ENTELIS.

AIAS Bologna is actively engaged at regional, national and international level, through its affiliations with:

  • GLIC, the Italian national association of independent ICT-AT centres (AIAS Bologna founding member);
  • AAATE, the Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe (AIAS staff member acting as Secretary-General);
  • EASPD, the European Association of service providers for Persons with Disabilities (AIAS staff member in the board).

The Assistive Technology (AT) team of AIAS Bologna is one of the largest independent (non-commercial) AT teams in Europe. Its composition reflects a multidisciplinary approach. The team, with funds of the public health care system, staffs the Regional Centre for Assistive Technology of the Region Emilia-Romagna (4.490.000 inhabitants). The AT team is currently serving as regional point of reference for health professionals for the diffusion of technological innovations in rehabilitation and psycho-educational interventions targeting individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

In addition to its role as advocacy organisation and service provider, we are actively engaged in research and innovation through our Sector Projects for Innovation. Over the last 15 years we have accessed various national and EU funding programmes, among which Horizon2020, as well as the Erasmus+ programme, both as partner as well as lead organisation.

For further information about our Research Centre: at4inclusion

International contacts:
Ilaria Valoti – ivaloti@aiasbo.it