Italy reinforces disability assistance rights in schools

In Italy, the start of the new school year highlights the implementation of Essential Levels of Performance (LEP) regarding assistance for students with disabilities. Under the 2026 Budget Law, autonomy and communication assistance (ASACOM) has transitioned from an optional local service to a fundamental right that the State must guarantee uniformly across all regions to ensure civil and social rights.

In the province of Ragusa, the Libero Consorzio Comunale has activated specialized services from the first day of classes. This includes ASACOM, dedicated school transport, and Integrative, Additional, and Improvement Services (SIAM) for secondary school students. Currently, 257 students in the province are entitled to these welfare and transport services, covering psychophysical and sensory disabilities. To prevent delays in school attendance, the local administration utilized emergency provisional activation procedures to ensure continuity of care.