by Nina Vaclavikova
Interview: Maurizio Giudici: President of the Durante e Dopo di Noi – Donna Colonna dei Principi di Stigliano foundation; Marco Tortul: Head of the Consulta Territoriale delle Associazioni delle Persone con Disabilità e delle Loro Famiglie; Massimo Tognolli: Trieste’s councilor for social policies
Officials in Trieste have officially opened a new outreach center for individuals with disabilities and their families. The facility is a joint effort between the Consulta Territoriale delle Associazioni delle Persone con Disabilità e delle Loro Famiglie (Territorial Council of Associations for People with Disabilities and Their Families) and the local foundation Durante e Dopo di Noi – Donna Colonna dei Principi di Stigliano.
The new center, located at Via Gatteri 24D, will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. It builds upon existing municipal services and is designed to strengthen cooperation between public institutions and local community organizations.
At a press conference this morning, officials emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach. The event was attended by several local leaders, including Massimo Tognolli, Trieste’s councilor for social policies; Francesco di Paola Panteca, president of the city council; Maurizio Giudici, president of the foundation; Marco Tortul, head of the Consulta; and Stefano Chicco, director of the municipal social service.
Mr. Tognolli noted that while the new center is not a completely new initiative, its location at the Consulta headquarters marks a significant step in collaboration. He said the service is an “enlargement of a collaboration that already exists.” He also mentioned that the expansion of such services is critical, particularly following the implementation of Regional Law 16/2022, which also assigns responsibility for disability services to ASUGI, the local health authority.
Mr. Tortul echoed this sentiment, highlighting the benefit of a centralized location for the nearly thirty associations that the Consulta represents. He stated that using a single, accessible space in the city can improve access and visibility for those seeking support.
Mr. Giudici, president of the foundation, described the Consulta as a “synthesis of third-sector services” and said that the foundation’s presence there will allow it to respond more effectively to the needs of the community. The foundation, established in 2019, focuses on providing holistic care, including temporary residential and semi-residential assistance, and support for caregivers.
Mr. Chicco, the director of municipal social services, outlined a project known as the “Progetto di Vita” (Life Project), which aims to map individual needs through a collaborative, multidisciplinary process. He highlighted Trieste’s long-standing experience in disability management as an advantage in providing tailored support.
In addition to the new center, city officials reminded the public of existing resources. The municipal social service operates a central information number (040 9714545), run by Televita from Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., which handles thousands of calls each month.
The new outreach point at Via Gatteri 24D will primarily serve residents by appointment. Individuals seeking information or appointments can contact the foundation’s office at 040 6757052 or 331 206 6568, or via email at accoglienza@fondazionecolonnats.it. Additional information and forms are available on the Comune di Trieste website.
