Cagliari, June 5, 2025 – In a significant step toward strengthening European cooperation on inclusive education and disability rights, IERFOP Onlus, the University of Pécs – IERG (Inclusive Excellence Research Group)(Hungary), and the University of Cagliari have signed a protocol of collaboration. The protocol was signed on June 4 during an international roundtable hosted at IERFOP’s main headquarters in Cagliari, Sardinia.
While not yet a formal agreement, this protocol establishes a shared commitment to promote inclusive training, disability-focused research, and teacher education across Europe. It sets the foundation for joint projects aimed at transforming how accessibility and support for diverse learners are conceived and implemented within academic and vocational frameworks.
A Shared Vision Between Institutions
The roundtable was part of a broader academic mobility and cooperation initiative. Attendees included key representatives from the three institutions: Dr. Roberto Pili, President of IERFOP and the World Community of Longevity; Dr. Bachisio Zolo, Director of Educational Programs at IERFOP; Dr. Claudia Serra, Head of European Projects; and Dr. Alice Lisci, Coordinator of Learning Delivery.
Representing the University of Cagliari were Professor Donatella Rita Petretto, psychologist, specialist in neuropsychology and Rector’s Delegate for Disability, and Dr. Roberta Berti, PhD candidate and psychologist.
From the University of Pécs, the Hungarian delegation featured Professor Aranka Varga, Associate Professor and Director of the Inclusive Excellence Research Group, and Dr. Zsófia Tószegi, researcher and lecturer. Both are actively engaged in the university’s Inclusive University Program and serve on its Equal Opportunities Committee.
IERFOP’s Inclusive Model: Between Innovation and Territory
During the visit, the Hungarian delegation was introduced to IERFOP’s unique approach to education and inclusion, with a strong emphasis on practical application and local engagement. They toured the organization’s labs for personal autonomy, observed the use of assistive technologies, and reviewed how IERFOP develops highly customized vocational training programs.
Professor Varga praised the model, stating:
“IERFOP is a virtuous example of how architectural design, pedagogical innovation, and social inclusion can be integrated. The personalized training pathways we saw here truly enhance the autonomy and dignity of individuals with disabilities. We look forward to bringing these best practices into our own academic and civic networks.”
Dr. Zolo emphasized the territorial dimension of the IERFOP method:
“Our programs are built from the ground up based on the needs of individuals and local communities. We blend theory with hands-on lab experiences, professional consultation, and career guidance. In every region where we operate, we collaborate with local governments, institutions, and businesses.”
A Protocol That Looks Toward Europe
The collaboration protocol signed in Cagliari outlines key areas of joint focus:
- Research on the intersection between aging and disability, under the “Disabilitaging” initiative;
- Studies on the impact of multiple disabilities throughout the life course;
- Creation of European projects that promote inclusion, accessibility, and active participation for people with disabilities;
- Research involving Roma students with disabilities, including issues of neurodivergence and co-occurring conditions.
The protocol also opens the door to academic exchange, seminars, and co-publication opportunities. Professors Varga and Tószegi expressed a strong interest in reviewing and disseminating IERFOP’s research and publications within Hungary, highlighting the potential for knowledge transfer and academic enrichment on both sides.
Dr. Tószegi noted:
“This collaboration can become a powerful platform for developing inclusive education policies, international training programs, and community-based best practices. We must invest in the training of trainers and in the creation of accessible learning environments that respect all forms of diversity.”
From Sardinia to Europe: An Inclusive Mission
The protocol is more than just a document—it is the beginning of a shared strategic journey between institutions that place human dignity and equal opportunity at the center of their work. The initiative also reinforces the role of Sardiniaand IERFOP as a bridge between local expertise and European policy-making in the fields of disability, education, and inclusion.
Dr. Pili stressed the long-term vision:
“This is not just a one-off event. It marks the start of a real and ongoing dialogue built on trust, practical collaboration, and a common desire to shape a more equitable and inclusive Europe. It’s about turning words into action.”
IERFOP continues to expand its international footprint by forming synergistic alliances with universities, civil society organizations, and public institutions. The Cagliari protocol will serve as a working tool to respond to the growing challenges of inclusion across Europe—addressing everything from teacher preparation and accessible education to inter-institutional cooperation and strategic EU projects.
Next Steps: Concrete Action
All parties involved expressed their willingness to continue the dialogue and to define operational steps for moving forward. Future actions will include setting up joint working groups, identifying funding opportunities, and involving new scientific and institutional partners. The long-term objective is clear: to build a network of inclusive excellencecapable of improving quality of life and educational outcomes for people with disabilities at every stage of life.
The June 4 roundtable in Cagliari was emblematic not only for its symbolic value, but for the depth of engagement and ambition it represents. It reaffirmed the belief that science, education, and civic commitment can—and must—work together to construct a more inclusive and just future.
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