Disability, Rehabilitation, and Assistive Technologies for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Italy: Policies and Challenges

Abstract

Good health and well-being for all, including those with disabilities, is one of the main sustainable development goals. Data on refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities are limited. Refugees have poor access to rehabilitation and assistive technologies, although laws and policies in Italy guarantee this type of healthcare. However, there are several limitations to the successful implementation of these services. First, the national health system is regionally based, and therefore healthcare facilities and services vary in terms of quality in different regions. A link between reception centers and the healthcare system is therefore highly recommended, because only 10 out of 20 regions have specific services for refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities. Second, only 2% of the total available posts for hosting refugees are reserved for people with disabilities. The lack of a standardized vulnerability assessment represents the main barrier to the organization of specific services for migrants within the community. National stakeholders urgently need to collaborate in order to remove barriers to rehabilitation and assistive technology for refugees with disabilities. Initiatives should focus on health literacy and the empowerment of migrants, data collection on health, disability, and assistive technology, and the organization of community-based rehabilitation programs.

Barriers and enabling factors for utilizing physical rehabilitation services by Afghan immigrants and refugees with disabilities in Iran: a qualitative study

“…Facilitating the referral process to other levels of the health system, training practitioners to understand immigrants and refugees health needs, promoting community-based education, and investing in modern technology were also recommended strategies. Tofani et al have mentioned that removing barriers to rehabilitation and assistive technology for refugees with disabilities should focus on health literacy and the empowerment of migrants, data collection on health, disability, and assistive technology, and the organization of community-based rehabilitation programs [ 11 ]. A US-based study recommends an expanded pool of medical interpreters, peer navigators, innovative health information technologies, and greater collaboration and information sharing between service systems to address barriers affecting disabled and chronically ill refugees [ 48 ].…”

“…Accordingly, almost 7.65 million people with disabilities would face forced displacement [ 10 ]. Refugees and asylum seekers with disabilities are confronted with multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and have worse health outcomes [ 11 ].…”

An Inclusive Workplace Approach to Disability through Assistive Technologies: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis of the Literature

“…National stakeholders urgently need to collaborate in order to remove barriers to rehabilitation and provide assistive technology for refugees with disabilities. Initiatives should focus on health literacy, data collection on health, disability, and assistive technology, and the organization of community-based rehabilitation programs [106].…”