For the third year, Visottica Group and Borgoluce are supporting ‘Cuore di Marca’, a project promoted by the ‘Oltre il Labirinto’ Foundation to support people with autism living in the province of Treviso.
The initiative, held in the splendid setting of Borgoluce’s headquarters in Susegana, involved a group of people supported by the Foundation in the creation of Christmas hampers for Visottica Group employees. The activity was carried out under the guidance and supervision of a team of educators and psychologists.
In this interview, Mario Paganessi, President of ‘Oltre il Labirinto’ (Beyond the Labyrinth), talks about the initiative and the activities of the Foundation, emphasizing how fundamental it is to raise awareness of autism and to promote correct information on this issue.
Mario, can you tell us what prompted you to found ‘Oltre il Labirinto’ and what were the initial objectives?
The Oltre il Labirinto Foundation was born in 2008 with the intention of providing answers that until then did not exist. I decided to bring some families together to build a life and habilitation project for children with autism. The objective was not only to address immediate difficulties, but to create a strategic and long-term vision, a pathway that would accompany these children throughout their lives. Thus, with 12 families, we set up the Foundation.
What are the main challenges faced by people with autism and their families?
Families of people with autism face constant challenges that change over time. Initially, the focus is on improving their children’s independence through therapies and activities, especially in the first years of life. Then the children grow up and, as they become adults, new difficulties arise. After the age of 18, once they have finished school, they often lack a place where they can be welcomed and included. In addition, the delicate topic of ‘after us’ emerges, because as parents, when we see time running out, we realise that the time available to us to ensure a secure future for our children is getting shorter and shorter.
How crucial is the support of the community and companies like Visottica and Borgoluce for the success of the ‘Cuore di Marca’ project?
The support of companies like Visottica and Borgoluce is really crucial. It is not just a question of economic support, which is important, but of attention that goes beyond that. This support gives the boys opportunities to occupy their time, time that is even more precious to them. These gestures not only help the children, but also the families, who feel less alone. A virtuous link is created between the profit and non-profit worlds, becoming a replicable example. It is not just a question of donating, but of giving a voice and visibility to those who are fragile and often invisible.
How does the project contribute to raising society’s awareness of autism?
The project helps to convey correct information about autism, showing that something can be done to include children who are often invisible. We are not only talking about the ‘phenomenal kids’ who write books or climb mountains, but about the 80% who remain in the shadows. Through activities such as assembling Christmas baskets, the project spreads a more realistic knowledge of autism, helping to overcome stereotypes and create culture.
How does the project help to create an inclusive work environment for people with autism? Can you share some practical examples?
The project offers opportunities for structured employment, such as assembling Christmas baskets. These are not actual jobs, but activities that enhance the abilities of the children, even the most hidden ones. The organisation of suitable and repetitive environments responds to the need for routine for people with autism, offering tranquillity and stability.
What does it mean to you that children with autism are involved in making Christmas hampers for Visottica?
It means giving dignity to the children, offering them moments and spaces that can be valued. It is a moving and important project that brings joy, both to the children themselves and to those who observe them, as when you see the happiness in their eyes or a sincere smile. This involvement, as I said, is also an example of virtuous collaboration between the profit and non-profit worlds.
What positive results have you seen in the young people participating in the project? Are there any stories that particularly excited you?
The most rewarding results can be seen in the joy in their eyes, in the serenity that comes from the routine, and in the personal growth of each child. Each story is unique: there are those who are very motivated and those who are just waiting for a break. However, each of them brings with them a story, a skill or a non-skill that it is up to us, as a team, to bring out.
How does practical and creative work, such as Christmas basket work, contribute to the growth and well-being of people with autism?
Practical and creative work provides a structured, repetitive and safe environment that meets the need for routine typical of people with autism. This stability is crucial because it allows them to anticipate what is going to happen, reducing stress and anxiety. It also enhances their abilities, promoting dignity and a sense of personal fulfilment.
How many families and children do you help?
The Foundation supports about 180 families. Helping these families means organising therapy activities at school, at home and in their free time, as well as moments of aggregation such as holidays, outings and socialising activities that are fundamental for the children’s future.
What is a typical day like for the children?
A typical day varies according to the needs of the children and the activities organized. The main activities include habilitative therapies, playful or sporty moments such as going to the swimming pool or cycling with appropriate means. An essential element is the repetitive routine, which offers stability and tranquility to children with autism. Even simple moments, such as snack time or occupational activities like assembling Christmas baskets, value their time and contribute to their growth and well-being.
What are the Foundation’s future goals and how do you see the current projects evolving?
The main objective is the Casa Indy project, a residential home that will provide a safe environment for five young people with low autonomy. In addition, the aim is to increase projects that promote social inclusion and concrete opportunities for these children.
How do you imagine the inclusion of people with autism will change in our society in the coming years?
Inclusion requires a cultural change: it is important to overcome stereotypes and spread a more realistic knowledge of autism. Involving companies and the community can create replicable opportunities, offering spaces for gathering, work and employment. This is the only way to truly include these children, instead of treating them as invisible.
What is the message you would like to convey to companies and people who are still unaware of the reality of autism?
The message is clear: autism is not a disease, but a condition. Taking care of these children is a win-win for everyone. Companies can make a difference by offering attention, resources and suitable spaces. This help is not just financial, but a gesture that gives dignity, voice and visibility to those who are fragile and often forgotten.
Oltre il Labirinto Foundation has been active in Treviso since June 2009. Its mission is to ensure help, assistance, safeguarding, treatments, services, and whatever is necessary during the growth phase and in adulthood for people with autism.
