Glossary

Condition of those who have permanent or temporary difficulties in movements and walking, which limit autonomous access to places, services and transport. It can derive from: motor disabilities (paraplegia, hemiplegia, amputations), chronic pathologies (arthritis, heart disease), sensory deficits (blindness), old age, severe obesity, pregnancy, temporary traumas.

Reduced mobility significantly impacts: personal autonomy, social participation, access to work and education, quality of life. Necessary interventions: removal of architectural barriers, accessible transport (platforms, ramps, reserved seats), mobility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, canes), assistive technologies (stair lifts, platform lifts), tactile signage. European regulations recognize specific rights: EC Regulation 1107/2006 for air transport, EU Regulation 1300/2014 for rail transport. In Italy, DPR 503/1996 defines accessibility standards. Disability badge (Law 104/1992) allows parking in reserved areas. Autonomous mobility is a prerequisite for social and work inclusion.

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Global and continuous process aimed at enabling people with disabilities to reach and maintain the best possible functional level from a physical, sensory, intellectual, psychological and social point of view. The WHO defines rehabilitation as a set of interventions to optimize functioning and reduce disability in people with health conditions.

Multidisciplinary approach involves: physiatrists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, nurses, social workers. Objectives: maximize autonomy, prevent secondary complications, improve quality of life, promote social and work reintegration. Areas of intervention: motor (strength, mobility, balance), cognitive (memory, attention, executive functions), communicative (language, swallowing), psychological (adaptation, self-esteem), social (relationships, participation). Rehabilitation settings: acute hospital, intensive rehabilitation, outpatient, home. Rehabilitation is a fundamental right guaranteed by the NHS. Individualized rehabilitation plan defines objectives, interventions, times, results verification.

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