Accessibility to the world of work: the first step towards active citizenship

Abstract

The employment of people with disabilities is a central issue in the contemporary debate on social policies and the right to inclusion. Access to and accessibility of work is not only an economic opportunity, but also a fundamental tool for self-determination, social integration and participation in community life (Friso, 2017). From this perspective, work is a privileged space for building active citizenship and social recognition (Lepri, 2020). Only through a truly inclusive approach is it possible to build a fair labour market capable of guaranteeing equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their starting conditions (Lepri, Montobbio, 1994). This contribution will present the PEEPI tool - Educational Pathway for the Expression of Individual Potential, an Italian certification that identifies companies and organisations that are able to offer real job placement. The value-based integration model certified by Peepi is based on these three fundamental, interdependent principles. First, it emphasises the discovery and recognition of a person's talents, because a single standard model cannot be a valid solution for everyone. Second, it promotes the creation of a path based on dialogue in order to improve the knowledge that must be shared. Finally, the relational support between the educator and the person to be integrated is valued, because the bonds between human beings are the most powerful driving force there is. The perspective and approach of the article will be multidisciplinary, starting from a purely pedagogical and educational point of view. The value-based integration model certified by Peepi is based on these three fundamental, interdependent principles. First, it emphasises the discovery and recognition of a person's talents, because a single standard model cannot be a valid solution for everyone. Second, it promotes the creation of a path based on dialogue in order to improve the knowledge that must be shared. Finally, the relational support between the educator and the person to be integrated is valued, because the bonds between human beings are the most powerful driving force there is. The perspective and approach of the article will be multidisciplinary, starting from a purely pedagogical and educational point of view.