The Right to education

In 1981 Maria, (an invented name) a very intelligent and sensitive girl suffering from a serious form of tetraparesis finished her compulsory schooling with great success. She chose to continue school. She wanted to go to a Liceo Scientifico (High school) as she was good at maths. A school without architectural barriers for her wheelchair had to be found. A new �Liceo scientifico� in Rome was decided on but she was refused admission. She was told that her presence in the class might disturb the tranquillity of the students and the teachers. On 2 February 1982 the Community organised a demonstration in Piazza Campidoglio in Rome to defend Maria and all those who like her saw their rights violated.

Piazza del Campidoglio - 2 February 1982

�Solidarity with the weak� is the slogan which drew together a large number of private citizens, associations and families involved in the problem of disabilities. They demanded a better quality of life and concrete acts in favour of the disabled.