WHAT IS “ENJOY THE DIFFERENCE” (ETD)?
ENJOY THE DIFFERENCE is a project which started in 2011 from the collaboration between a group of students and professors of the University of Turin, Comune di Torino – Servizio Passpartout and some organizations.
The primary aim of ETD is combining students’ need to find accommodation at a reasonable price with the need of promoting independent life for disabled people, through providing accommodation and improving the social network. The people involved, university students and young people with motor or sensory disabilities, will be housemates on equal terms for a year, during which there won’t be any specific schedule to stick to. The project is for students of the University of Turin and for young disabled people, forming mixed groups of housemates.
WHY “ENJOY THE DIFFERENCE”?
The challenge is to show difference as an opportunity:
- Because each person has the right at an independent life based on equality, as it is stated in the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Because acknowledging differences must be a starting point, where everyone can find opportunities for improvement.
- In order to grow, to have new experiences, to put oneself to the test while meeting and getting to know other people.
ETD wants to promote a change of perspective: students and disabled young people together to overcome stereotypes and clichés. Disabled young people wanting to have fun and live their life instead of suffering because of their limitations, and students with a sense of responsibility, ideas for the future and the ability to invent new ways of participating, instead of listless and passive people who drag themselves from one classroom to the next.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE
All university students and young people with motor or sensory disabilities who are looking for accommodation can apply to become future housemates!
It’s easy, just fill in the form online here: https://www.centrostudidivi.unito.it/progetti/etd
