The story of a boy with a severe form of autism, rejected by several schools in Milan, is raising a heated debate on school inclusion in Italy.
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The parents of the fifteen-year-old from Milan, named Tommy, have decided to share their experience “for all the kids who risk being left without the positive future they could, despite everything, aspire to.” Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara has announced that investigations into the matter will be launched.
Difficulty of inclusion
The teenager had 31 schools reject his enrollment, citing a lack of “adequate facilities and staff.” In October, the family approached the City’s School Guidance Service, which suggested three schools that were theoretically available; however, 28 other institutions responded negatively, citing the excessive number of students with disabilities. Attempts with private schools also failed.
“Parents said: 'We didn't imagine that the school was allowed to choose its own students. But being rejected out of hand is exactly what happened to us and many other families,'” thus highlighting the problem of inclusion.
The Italian Federation for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and Families (Fish) expressed deep concern, stressing that this episode highlights “a serious gap in the Italian education system regarding the school inclusion of students with disabilities”. Despite the regulations in force, the reality remains far from the integration objectives.
Ministerial commitment
Minister Valditara stated: “I have instructed the competent offices to start an in-depth investigation into the case raised by Fish regarding the refusal of 31 high schools to accept a boy with severe forms of autism. Italian schools have the duty to be inclusive for all students, without distinctions”. He also reiterated that “it is intolerable that episodes like this happen in an education system that must guarantee the right to education to each student, regardless of their condition. We are committed to finding an adequate solution”.
Article published on 12 February 2025 - 17:27
It is truly incredible how in Italy they can reject students with disabilities, it is a problem that should not exist. Schools must be more inclusive and accept all students, it is fundamental for the future of all.