The educational and social project

A Bridge to the Future

The Academy of Free Abilities (ALA) aims to provide equal opportunities of access to culture, knowledge, and information for people with cognitive disabilities. It was created to fill the “gap” between the end of upper secondary school and the beginning of adult life, a stage in which individuals with cognitive vulnerabilities have historically found themselves without adequate support. This gap often turns into unemployment, which for Italians with disabilities is around 60%, higher than in many other European countries. To reverse this trend, action must be taken on environmental and cultural factors.

Indeed, as reaffirmed by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, disability results from the interaction between a health condition and environmental and cultural factors. This definition reflects a social and human rights-based approach to disability, rather than framing the issue exclusively through a medical lens.

ALA operates within this context, offering a value proposition that combines the scientific approach of the university with the practical know-how of a foundation created to build bridges through the use of inclusive methodologies and technologies.

Vision

A university that makes life projects possible

Our vision is a society in which every person’s life project includes the right to higher education and culture.

We imagine a future in which inclusive academies such as ALA are the norm rather than the exception: places where diversity is recognized as an added value for scientific research and for the human enrichment of the entire community. We aim to drive a cultural shift that transforms the concept of “disability” into that of “free ability.”

The goal of ALA is to launch a new post-secondary educational model for young adults with intellectual disabilities, aimed at full inclusion in society through pathways that combine theoretical knowledge, transversal skills (soft skills), and practical competences. These are delivered through courses and workshops spanning both the humanities and sciences, including literature and art history, languages, archaeology, IT, and agricultural sciences.

Mission

Turning potential into skills for the real world

Our mission is to provide young people with cognitive disabilities with concrete tools for autonomy, self-determination, and social participation. We do this through three pillars of action:

  • Sharing values, objectives, and solutions among academic staff, educators, and the educational team.

  • Using accessible methodologies that prioritize visual and easy-to-read languages, storytelling, and interaction between lecturers and students.

  • Strengthening a network of museums, libraries, UNESCO sites, and other cultural institutions to contribute to the evolution of the environment, co-designing educational initiatives that are useful for everyone and capable of turning into new employment opportunities.

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Dipartimenti Coinvolti di UNIUD

Il progetto è realizzato in sinergia con l’ente del Terzo Settore Fondazione Radio Magica in virtù della consolidata esperienza nel campo dell’ideazione e gestione di progetti culturali accessibili rivolti a diverse fasce d’età, dai bambini fino agli adulti. La Fondazione, attraverso i suoi educatori, si occupa del benessere e dell’accompagnamento dei partecipanti e affianca i docenti nella progettazione dei contenuti per garantire la massima accessibilità e un approccio didattico mirato con l’impiego di accomodamenti ragionevoli.

Lo sviluppo dell’Accademia delle Libere Abilità prevede la creazione di una rete di partner per co-progettare nuovi contenuti formativi e realizzare prodotti educativi utili alla divulgazione culturale per le scuole, i musei, le famiglie. Il corso di archeologia, ad esempio, è stato pensato per creare una sinergia con il sito Unesco di Aquileia. Il dipartimento didattico EducA ospita lezioni teoriche e laboratoriali, i docenti universitari coinvolgono i nuovi studenti negli scavi che diventano aule a cielo aperto, la Società per la conservazione della basilica progetta percorsi accessibili in cui gli allievi potranno in futuro diventare operatori culturali.

DMIF

Dipartimento di Scienze Matematiche, Informatiche e Fisiche

DI4A

Dipartimento di Scienze Agroalimentari, Ambientali e Animali

DILL

Dipartimento di Lingue e Letterature, Comunicazione, Formazione e Società

DIUM

Dipartimento di Studi Umanistici e del Patrimonio Culturale

DMED

Dipartimento di Medicina

DPIA

Dipartimento Politecnico di ingegneria e Architettura

DIES

Dipartimento di Scienze Economiche e Statistiche

DISG

Dipartimento di Scienze Giuridiche

Methods and Tools

  • Introduction of empowerment pathways based on a combination of theoretical and hands-on modules, ensuring educational continuity and the development of autonomy for young people with intellectual disabilities, tailored to individual characteristics and aptitudes.
  • Reasonable accommodations, as established by the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, through the adaptation of content and learning tools to ensure maximum accessibility (Augmentative and Alternative Communication, easy-to-read simplified texts, visual supports to enhance understanding and active participation).
  • Use of enabling technological and digital tools, including software and learning platforms that support engaging interaction and facilitated access to educational resources. A key reference platform for the ALA project is AppInventory, alongside methodological and educational innovation initiatives promoted through AppInventory for Education. AppInventory and AppInventory for Education are part of the new Regional Digital School Program for Friuli Venezia Giulia 2025–2027.
  • Use of audio and video storytelling for the production of multimedia educational and inclusive workshop content that stimulates creativity and strengthens learning outcomes.