Growing up, playing, and socializing in an atypical world
Atilibà was born in Busto Arsizio, in the province of Varese, from the idea of a group of parents and friends united by the desire to provide stimulating and fun leisure time for people with disabilities.
It may seem trivial to talk about having fun, but children and teenagers with disabilities are often placed in afternoon care centers offering occupational therapy programs designed with standardized criteria. As a result, these activities aren’t always suited to the unique needs of each individual. Atilibà aims to offer a different approach to promoting autonomy and social interaction—because while challenges are many, they can also become opportunities for growth and shared achievements. The slower pace at which progress sometimes comes has allowed us to explore and test new ways of being together.
Our activities will focus on the after-school hours. Most of our participants do not attend full-day programs, and filling the afternoons with paid educators is often difficult for families—not only in terms of cost, but also due to the complexity of organization and managing unforeseen events. We started with activities like biodanza, art, and music, and we’re planning to add sports, pet therapy, and a sensory room. But the project closest to our hearts is the “Relief Saturday”: a full-day group experience for people with disabilities, focused on autonomy and supported by educators and volunteers. The goal is to allow families to enjoy some well-deserved free time. Parents are full-time caregivers, and many never have the chance to spend time as a couple or do different activities with their other children. We will also introduce a dedicated program for siblings of children with disabilities, who often face a complex experience that can bring deep emotional richness but also significant psychological, relational, and identity-related challenges. For parents of young children (ages 0–3), we’ll offer support and proper guidance to help them navigate the many therapy options and rights available to them. Being able to share experiences and connect with those who’ve already been through it is a powerful way to discover the value of one’s own resources.
Another important element of Atilibà is networking with local associations, to share ideas and collaborate on new initiatives—especially the organization of thematic conferences. Take for example the topic of the “non-conforming body,” which is often viewed in the context of disability as a deviation from what is considered able and functional, and from the normative standards imposed by society. Accessibility, self-determination, sexuality, and services are all shaped by ideas of human standardization, yet these must also be reconsidered through the lens of disability. Our goal is to spark discussions that lead to solutions beneficial to the broader community, in collaboration with local organizations working in the disability field.
The ultimate goal of Atilibà is to build a 360-degree project that guarantees fun, joy, socialization, and shared experiences to young people with disabilities, with full involvement of their families. These are not “special needs”—they are essential human needs, fundamental to living an autonomous and independent life. Atilibà—for those who want to join us—is a thousand abilities in an atypical world.
For more information, write to infoatiliba@gmail.com