Tuesday 3 December @ 15:00 CET

On Tuesday, to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, ECR MEP’s Chiara Gemma and Lara Magoni will host an event entitled “Beyond the Obstacle. Stories of life, stories of triumph”.

This meeting presents a unique opportunity to hear powerful personal stories and testimonies highlighting how individuals have overcome various physical and social barriers. The discussions aim to offer valuable insights into a central theme: that disability is not just a physical condition but also, above all, a cultural issue. The event aspires to raise awareness and promote a message of inclusion. The event will be opened by European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.

Program:

Institutional Greetings:

• Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament
• Carlo Fidanza, ECR MEP

Introduction and opening remarks:

• Chiara Gemma, ECR MEP
• Lara Magoni, ECR MEP

Moderator:

• Simona Tedesco, ‘Dove’ Editor-in-chief, journalist RCS Corriere della Sera

Stories of life, stories of triumph:

• Stefano Buttafuoco, Journalist and TV presenter
• Giuseppe and Yuri Primicerio, Yuri Benefit di Orecchiette che vorreri
• Franco and Andrea Antonello, i Bambini della Fate S.p.A. Impresa Sociale
• Mauro Bernardi, First disabled skiing instructor for people with disability
• Giuseppe Natale, Gener manager of Coop, Sociale San Bernardo
• Simona Atzori, painter, ballet dancer and writer

European perspectives:

• Elisabetta Montano, Delegate of the European Parliament Secretary-General for Disability
• Loredana Dicsi, Responsible for Internal Communication and youth coordinator of the European Disability Forum