Naples disability center exclusion sparks legal challenge

A family in Italy is contesting the sudden exclusion of a man with Down syndrome from the Don Orione Day Center in Ercolano. The individual, who has utilized the facility for 41 years through the Asl Napoli 1 Centro CD-H project, has reportedly been denied access due to a decision affecting approximately one hundred guests.

The man’s mother, describing their family as indigent, stated that her son is now depressed and struggling to understand the decision. The center provided essential services, including cognitive and motor skill workshops, glassworking, theater, and para-olympic sports training.

Legal representatives Luca Marangio and Antonia Giglio have issued a formal notice to the Region, the Asl, the Municipality of Naples, and the Social Policy Department to defend the right to assistance for the disabled residents who cannot afford private alternatives.