Exchange Of Ideas

Exchange of Ideas

by Sandra Leehy, Publicity IOE
10th March 2010

We were delighted to be able to host an evening get together with Umberto and Bruna, who were accompanying their son on the ATLHA Onlus Melbourne – Milan (Melmi) exchange project, and some parents from our own Interchange program.

The exchange program has been in operation for many years, giving people with disabilities the opportunity to travel to the USA and Europe, but this is the first exchange that has taken place with Australia. This exchange has been a great success and plans are already in place for a reciprocal visit later this year and for the  continuation of the Australian exchanges in the future.

Umberto, Bruna and their son are long time members of the ATHLA Onlus disability group in Milan and it was interesting to hear of the growth and ideals of their organization, many of which are very similar to those of Interchange.

Over dinner we discussed a number of disability related issues funding, attitudes, access and work opportunities. Italy appears to be further down the track than Australia in many ways, particularly in relation to employment opportunities – their legislation around disability and just general awareness have been in place for about fifteen years more than here.

Even so, Umberto pointed out there are some areas where we are more progressive. Seeing how far Australia has come in a short time, we were given hope that time and legislation may bring a vast improvement here in the rights of people with disabilities.

It was great to have the opportunity to sit together and informally exchange ideas about issues which affect all parents of children with disabilities, regardless of their cultural environment. Special thanks to John De Petro for his linguistic assistance on the night.