Experiencing disability in Rome and Paris is the theme to which the fourth series of videos of Égalité is dedicated. Without going into detail about the architectural barriers – ubiquitous in both cities – nor the cultural barriers, equally rooted.
Miles Lewandowski, a film student at The New School (New York), focuses on the personal experiences of those who have experienced and still experience various forms of disability in the two European capitals, in different neighborhoods.
There is no music or narration as effective as the images of a Roman citizen in a wheelchair, Giuseppe Conti, forced to risk his life to leave his house and cross the street in Tor Carbone, Roma Capitale, Municipio VIII.
The repeated instances to the 'competent' public offices and the road murder of a pedestrian, in 2022, were not enough. The city manager asked to give the green light to the painting of the crosswalks told Giuseppe to 'stay in the garden'. Without words.
Giuseppe he shows up with his wife Jasmin Turtura, his sons Louis and Pierre Conti, the cat Petite and the dog Cacahouette. His life has changed due to multiple sclerosis but their life is instead turned upside down by a city, Rome, completely inaccessible.
The value of the family it recurs in electoral campaigns but is not reflected in bad administration for 37 years, late in defining the plan to eliminate architectural barriers. (1) La Montagnola, Rome, Municipality VIII.
Tania Castelli è single but he has lived in Rome with multiple sclerosis for 26 years. She works in a large Italian company and is involved in the volunteering group Melitea. To affirm rights and offer concrete support, in Italy, to vulnerable and marginalized people.
The discrimination of ATAC Rome to the detriment of people with disabilities emerges once again and in a new light, thanks to Tania's experience. Stair lifts are dangerous for those with balance problems, without lifts the subway remains inaccessible. (2)
Jasmin Turtura, who emigrated from Paris to Rome, reveals what few could imagine. Inaccessibility unites the two European capitals, albeit with some style variations.
Paris and Rome are off-limits for those who don't walk. Subways without lifts, shops, restaurants and clubs without access ramps. The sidewalks at least, in France, are equipped with some slides.
Who is writing he in turn shared the experience of being forced into three months of lockdown, in your own home. Due to lack of assistance on an electric scooter (trike) - under warranty - essential to move the wheelchair.
The indifference of those responsible of this shame has already been reported. (3) With the only result of receiving - instead of a replacement vehicle, after a series of breakdowns and as many months of inconvenience - a threat of lawsuit from the Ottobock Italia scammers.
'I believe in the value of each individual's contribution in order to achieve the 'social change' increasingly called for in our time. I believe in small drops that together form oceans' (Tania Castelli, Melitea).
These videos of Égalité – like the previous ones, which we invite you to look at (4,5,6) – were made by volunteers on mission in Italy thanks to our ImpacTrip partners. Thanks to all of them and to those who want to help repair this sick society.
Dario Dongo
(1) Dario Dongo. Architectural barriers, the first exemplary sentence to the Municipality of Pomezia. Égalité. 28.1.23
(2) Dario Dongo. #EuropeanMobilityWeek, the shame of Rome on Euronews in 9 languages. Égalité... 24.9.22
(3) Dario Dongo. Disabled hostage. The abuses of wheelchair suppliers. Égalité... 7.1.23
(4) Dario Dongo. Architectural barriers in Rome, the first videos of Égalité. Égalité. 2.7.22
(5) Dario Dongo. Life in Rome and Milan with a motor disability, the new videos by Égalité. Égalité... 13.8.22
(6) Dario Dongo. Third series of videos on Égalité, disability and inclusion. Égalité. 17.12.22
Dario Dongo, lawyer and journalist, PhD in international food law, founder of WIISE (FARE - GIFT - Food Times) and Égalité.