ExpoAid 2026 in Rimini draws 6,000 attendees to showcase disability inclusion

The national ExpoAid 2026 event took place in Rimini from 25 to 27 June, organized by the Ministry for Disabilities under Minister Alessandra Locatelli. Over 6,000 participants attended, including at least 1,800 people with disabilities, 250 associations, 140 exhibition stands and more than 50 seminars covering work, autonomy, sport, rare diseases, technology and social inclusion.

The programme featured diverse projects: an integrated fencing showcase by the Italian Fencing Federation, a fashion runway by the Il Granello cooperatives, the PeperonAut Street Food initiative by a Rotary club, and the Giardino dei Bucaneve association presenting its new residential facility. Representatives from Rotary districts, regional guarantors and other NGOs presented initiatives aimed at employment and accessibility for people with disabilities.

Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini used the closing plenary to pledge that new public works – stations, ports, airports – will be built barrier‑free, citing a joint table with the disability ministry to collect user requests for elevators and ramps. Locatelli hailed the event as proof that Italy is ready to meet the challenges of a more inclusive society.