In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need to implement measures that lead us towards a more inclusive and respectful society. The celebration of summer festivals in the different municipalities of the island has been a demonstration that the inclusion of spaces adapted to people with functional diversity is already simply non-negotiable for institutions.
The firmness and perseverance of the associative fabric and of the mothers and fathers has meant that, for example, it is a mandatory point that wherever fairs and cars are installed, there is an "inclusive day" where for a few hours sensory stimuli, such as lighting and music, are reduced to offer a more respectful and comfortable space for people with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and other diagnoses.
Although we have to celebrate the conquered spaces, as a mother of a child with autism, and I am sure that many families share it, believe me that the treatment professed in some parties has made me feel humiliated and treated condescendingly.
In order not to confuse the vindication of minimum rights with something that is used as a weapon, I will not mention who has erred, but the truth is that we have had situations for all tastes: from those who have limited themselves to complying with a minimum by enabling a few hours without music and lighting; those who have scheduled that day in the morning, pretending that children with autism go to the cars at a different time than the rest of the people and finally, those who have painted that day in the program of the parties but have not kept their word correctly.
On the completely opposite side, I think it is fair to mention the commitment to diversity in the programming carried out by the San Bartolomé City Council. Posing as a motto "This year in San Bartolomé we all play" offered a varied inclusive program with different activities where children were always accompanied by a team of excellent occupational therapists. In addition, it was complemented with other measures such as a bracelet to avoid queues or waits, as well as a space enabled for calm, in case someone needed to get away from sensory stimuli at a certain time.
Said only like that, it sounds good. But it will sound even better if I tell you that probably never at any patron saint festival on the island of Lanzarote was a sports activity such as skateboarding adapted for a child with reduced mobility or a theatrical play for children with intellectual disabilities or language difficulties. All this always took place in spaces shared with the rest of the community. Because that is how inclusion is achieved: sharing and living together.
The sensations we have had are simple but we do not always have them guaranteed: respect, dignity and tranquility. The tranquility that gives you knowing that you live in a place that has taken you into account. It is this type of action that should mark the way and serve as an example to the rest of the institutions of Lanzarote. And it is not a matter of anything more than thinking about all the people who live in your municipality and working to take care of them. Project with the intention that everyone finds comfort and feels that they are part of it.
In short, I think that despite the good intentions in all cases, the steps and efforts that have been taken are not all at the same level of the real needs we have as families. And by comparison, it has been more than demonstrated.
Likewise, I take this opportunity to remember that it is necessary and urgent to understand that the commitment to diversity does not end with this type of action. Ensuring the well-being and guarantees of people with disabilities and supporting their families is an obligation. We would like to find that support and that integrating impetus in important battles that we have left to fight: getting classrooms in key in all municipalities, having the dining room, early reception and late collection in schools, as well as public and adapted summer camps, measures without which, on the other hand, mothers will not really have our family reconciliation guaranteed. Also when we are forced to fight against institutional terror or academic ableism that we continue to suffer in many educational centers.
Inclusion is not something that is taken out for a walk conveniently. It is not a word that is painted on a poster to obtain more acceptance. We need more than ever that inclusion extends to each and every one of the policies that are implemented and is a priority on institutional agendas. The dignity for our sons and daughters is non-negotiable.
Paula Corujo, mother of a child with autism.
