The Right to education

In 1981 Maria, (an invented name) a very intelligent and sensitive girl suffering from a serious form of tetraparesis finished her compulsory schooling with great success. She chose to continue school. She wanted to go to a Liceo Scientifico (High school) as she was good at maths. A school without architectural barriers for her wheelchair had to be found. A new “Liceo scientifico” in Rome was decided on but she was refused admission. She was told that her presence in the class might disturb the tranquillity of the students and the teachers. On 2 February 1982 the Community organised a demonstration in Piazza Campidoglio in Rome to defend Maria and all those who like her saw their rights violated.

Piazza del Campidoglio - 2 February 1982

“Solidarity with the weak” is the slogan which drew together a large number of private citizens, associations and families involved in the problem of disabilities. They demanded a better quality of life and concrete acts in favour of the disabled.