Two Major Upcoming Events in Padova: The 10th ICEVI-Europe Conference and Padova SensoriAbile.
What are these events about? Professionals from around the world will gather to share research and experiences aimed at improving the quality of life and autonomy of blind and visually impaired children and young adults, while also promoting a culture of inclusion and accessibility in society.
Both events are promoted by the Fondazione Robert Hollman, which has been providing comprehensive support and guidance for children with visual impairments and their families in Italy since the 1970s.
ApartmentsPadova supports ICEVI-Europe and Padova SensoriAbile Days in support of visual disability.
ApartmentsPadova , a company that incorporates the name of its city into its own, takes pride in its connection to the city of Padova and its role in hospitality. When the Fondazione Robert Hollman approached owner Primo Gasparin for collaboration, he readily offered accommodations for event organizers.
“I am proud to host part of the organizing teams for both events, as it strengthens our connection with the local community. I strive to see my business as more than just an economic entity—ApartmentsPadova has been collaborating with institutions and associations for years, promoting the culture, traditions, and excellence of the region through our website. I sincerely thank Maria Eleonora Reffo, General Director of the Fondazione Robert Hollman in Padova, for giving me the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful event for many families.”
- What is the “10th ICEVI European Conference”?
- How Will Padova Residents Be Involved in the Padova SensoriAbile Days?
- The Multisensory Exhibition for Visual Disability “Stories on the Fingers. Trees”
- Further Insights on ICEVI and Padova SensoriAbile Days
What is the “10th ICEVI European Conference”?
May 15-17, 2025, various venues at the Municipality and the University of Padova
Promoted by the Fondazione Robert Hollman and ICEVI-Europe (a non-governmental organization, the “International Council for Education and Rehabilitation of People with Visual Impairment”), the 10th ICEVI-Europe International Conference will be held in Padova from May 15 to 17, 2025. The event is supported by the Municipality of Padova and the University of Padova, with the patronage of the Veneto Region, the Padova Hospital, and Ulss6 Euganea.
More than three hundred professionals from around the world, along with institutions and associations from across Europe, will gather in Padova to discuss the concept of multidisciplinary support as a key factor in improving the quality of life for blind or visually impaired children and young adults.
Over one hundred scientific works will be presented, focusing on four major areas of interest: developmental trajectories and functional diagnostic assessment; education and learning; habilitation and rehabilitation; accessibility, participation, and engagement in society.
During the event, the document on “Key Principles for Supporting Children and Young Adults with Visual Impairments” will be shared. The goal is to establish a common framework of fundamental principles among European professionals working with visually impaired children and young adults in both educational and clinical settings.
This document was developed by a multidisciplinary team of hundreds of European experts in the field of visual impairment through a collaborative process. It draws inspiration from intervention programs, collaboration between professionals and caregivers, the recognition of individual strengths, and a multidisciplinary approach. These elements are essential for fostering a positive attitude among families, thereby promoting the development, well-being, independence, and confidence of blind or visually impaired children and young adults.
According to a 2017 WHO report, there are 1.4 million blind children and 19 million visually impaired children worldwide (source: IAPB).
How Will Padova Residents Be Involved in the Padova SensoriAbile Days?
May 10-18, 2025 – Various Locations Throughout the City
From May 10 to 18, 2025, Padova will host a highly creative event: Padova SensoriAbile Days. This citywide initiative will feature a diverse program of events, exhibitions, workshops, meetings, and multisensory sports demonstrations, all designed to be accessible to everyone. Dozens of local organizations will collaborate to offer enriching experiences for all participants.
The event will include inclusive readings, guided tours of Padova’s historic sites and museums with a multisensory approach, a “dinner in the dark” experience, accessible sports demonstrations, and much more.
The Padova SensoriAbile Days originated from the experimental project ”SensoriAbile anch’io”, which ran throughout 2024. This initiative used visual deprivation simulations to enhance the experiential training of professionals working in twelve public and private services across the city of Padova.
Raising awareness among citizens about inclusion will be the primary way to spread knowledge about visual disability. The organizing body for this event is once again the Fondazione Robert Hollman, in collaboration with UICI Padova (Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired – Padova Section), the Municipality of Padova, the University of Padova, and ANIOMAP (National Association of Instructors for Orientation, Mobility, and Personal Autonomy).
The Multisensory Exhibition for Visual Disability “Stories on the Fingers. Trees”
May 12-18, 2025, Walkways of the San Gaetano Cultural Center, Padova
The response to inclusion? Always multisensory experiences. As part of the events mentioned above, in May 2025, Padova will host the multisensory exhibition “Stories on the Fingers. Trees”, brought to the city by the National Federation of Institutions for the Blind, in collaboration with the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Padova and the Fondazione Robert Hollman. This exhibition will be open to visitors from May 12 to May 18 at the walkways of the San Gaetano Cultural Center. On Saturday, May 17, the center will also host the closing plenary session of the ICEVI-Europe Conference, taking place in the Auditorium and Agorà spaces.
The Fondazione Robert Hollman is also working on the creation of the Albero del Tesoro Inclusive Municipal Park, in collaboration with 17 social organizations.
This green space is designed in every detail—playgrounds, pathways, equipment, buildings—to be accessible to everyone, respecting the specific needs of each individual.
Located in Via Siena, Padova, Basso Isonzo area, the park will become a space for fostering relationships and inclusion, offering a welcoming environment for people of all abilities.
Further Insights on ICEVI and Padova SensoriAbile Days
- More information about the Conference
- ICEVI-Europe
- Robert Hollman Foundation
- More information about Padua SensoriAbile Days.
- Treasure Tree Park