Pathways to independence for people with disabilities

The projects involve the implementation of measures aimed at accelerating the process of deinstitutionalisation by providing home care services to people with disabilities, with a view to enhancing their independence and offering them opportunities to enter the world of work, including through the use of information technology. In particular, the plans include the refurbishment of domestic spaces and/or the provision of ICT equipment to people with disabilities, alongside training in digital skills.

Specifically, there will be two main areas of focus:

1. refurbishment of properties, including through the use of technology (home automation), to make them accessible and easier to use for people with disabilities; 
2. strengthening the multidisciplinary team with social and healthcare professionals (who carry out multidimensional assessments and develop individualised plans)
   which will be responsible for identifying beneficiaries and creating programmes tailored to their specific needs.

The measures envisaged by the projects must be viewed from a long-term perspective, as they are aimed at ensuring that people with disabilities achieve greater independence and, at the same time, reduced dependence on their families (with a view to the ‘after us’ scenario).

Six projects have been submitted across the region, relating to local clusters identified on the basis of criteria such as population, geographical proximity and the division of health districts, covering all the Valley Communities and the municipalities of Trento and Rovereto.

To enable people with disabilities to achieve a better quality of life through the implementation of programmes promoting independence.

One of the intended outcomes is to consolidate the pilot schemes already underway through social housing initiatives and independent living projects.

Target audience: the six projects to be carried out at provincial level are expected to involve at least 47 beneficiaries.

Intermediate-level implementing bodies: lead local authorities

Local-level implementing bodies: local authorities that own property and the communities acting as local-level implementing bodies

The implementation of the PNRR in Trentino forms an integral part of the provincial policy framework for sustainable development, in line with the policies set out in the Provincial Economic and Financial Document and the related Update Note.

PNRR funding: €2,799,258.77

ByDirectorial DecreeNo. 98 of 9 May 2022 issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Policies, the lists of projects for the Territorial Social Areas (a single area for the province of Trento) were approved.

On 30 September 2022, the Provincial Executive approved the draft agreements with the Ministry concerning projects for the social inclusion of vulnerable and at-risk individuals, and in particular for the implementation of pathways to independence for people with disabilities, in which the Provincial Health Services Authority and all the Valley Communities are involved with regard to the assessment, evaluation and development of individuals’ life plans, to be shared with those concerned; and which, in terms of investment, involve the municipalities of Torcegno, Primiero, San Martino di Castrozza, Valle Laghi, Cavedine, Rovereto, Mori, Trento and Giovo.

In 2022, guidelines were also adopted for the APSS aimed at strengthening the Multidisciplinary Disability Assessment Unit and the supporting information systems (Resolution No. 2469 of 22 December 2022) and an agreement was signed for the implementation of the projects between the Province, the lead local authority, the municipalities owning the properties and the other local authorities (Resolution No. 2429 of 22 December 2022).

In 2023, the priority measures were identified for the refurbishment of public housing and the provision of home automation equipment for disabled users (ResolutionNo. 710 of 28 April 2023)

The target of 47 beneficiaries was met within the set deadline.
Five properties, comprising a total of 13 flats, were renovated, refurbished or upgraded with home automation systems, and home care services, support with commuting to work and digital skills development were provided to improve quality of life and personal independence.