Since the beginning, C.I.F.R.A. has integrated perfectly the structures
already in place at the Istituto Cavazza (Talking and Digital Book Library,
Experimental Centre of Teaching Aids, Typhlotechnical and Computer Service,
Professional Training Centre, Anteros Tactile Museum, Low Vision Service,
Typhlo-pedagogy Consulting Service), enriching and enhancing the activities and
roles of each sector, in full respect of the individual and specific competence
and professionalism they provide. 
Important and highly
significant collaborations are now taking place with the National Federation of
Institutions for the Blind, with the Region of Emilia-Romagna, and with the
Italian Library for the Blind Regina Margherita di Monza, as well as recent
projects with Azienda U.S.L. Bologna Sud, the Administrative Service Centre
(school) and the University of Bologna. Those who are in charge of the life and
operations of Project C.I.F.R.A., setting guidelines and intervention criteria,
have oriented themselves towards a mid-term programme, given the fact that the
financial contribution of the CARISBO Foundation, determinant in the life of the
Centre, has a duration of four years. However, this has not prevented them from
undertaking important initiatives, some of which, the most important ones, will
be briefly described here, taking into account that at the end of the four-year
period, a comprehensive and in depth review of the whole experience will be
done.
The work done by C.I.F.R.A. in its first two years is remarkable, and
lays foundations for ulterior development of great interest.
Information Service with U.S.L. Bologna Sud
The series of initiatives
begin with the agreement with Azienda U.S.L. Bologna Sud, which allows the
possibility for blind and low vision people living in the area to directly, and
personally take advantage of the establishment's information service, through
the use of special aids (booklets and brochures reproduced in braille, on
audiocassette or CD-ROM, access to the Web portal, etc.).
Light Eyes Project
This is another important project consisting of a sight
prevention program to detect potential sight problems of students in all of
Bologna's elementary schools. The campaign kept a group of ophthalmologists and
orthoptists busy for quite a few months, examining over 10,000 students. The
research has recently ended, and data is in the process of being entered in a
computer database designed specifically for this. A special study on
epidemiology will be published, and it is promising important results,
susceptible to be used by health and prevention services.
Almabraille Project
This project aims to offer an assistance service to
blind and low vision university students. A room at the library of the
University of Bologna is about to be completely set up with special accessories
and computer aids. The project's plan is also to hire two highly
specialized teachers who will work with students using devices, doing research,
reproducing study tests, etc.
Tactile Mouse Project
This project is in the process of being carried out.
It aims at producing tactile maps with highly scientific characteristics in
terms of the quality of the material, and the adoption of modality,
codification, and symbology purposely studied and agreed on at the international
level. Initially, tactile maps of the Istituto Cavazza will be produced, then
some general maps of the City of Bologna, and others for orientation and
mobility, relative to the representative development of the Quartiere Santo
Stefano, within ring roads. The achievement and production of so-called
video-tactile maps have requested, as it is easy to imagine, very specific
studies, and a long and careful experimentation because of the obvious
difference between the ability and capacity of reading through the use of the
touch, compared to the use of sight.
Technology Help Centre
Cavazza's Technology Help Centre (Ausilioteca) is
another interesting initiative, which offers the public opportunities to know
and experiment with a wide range of educational, computer, and electronic aids
designed for studies and communication. The Technology Help Centre is divided
into three sections: the first section is devoted to teaching aids used in
pre-school, elementary school up to the 11th grade. These aids include
game-related teaching tools for Braille writing, for studies in math, geometry,
geography, sciences, etc. In the second section is organized a collection of
technical, computer and electronic aids for the blind (Braille displays, voice
synthesis, special software for access to multimedia products, which otherwise
would not be readily available). The third section is reserved to low vision
aids such as video magnification systems, and special boards allowing low vision
people to use and protect their residual vision without having to use tactile or
vocal aids.
Blindfolded Pirates and To Free the Dream Projects
These are two important
projects dedicated to school activities with young and older blind and low
vision children, as well as the knowledge and in-depth learning of problems
related to the link between disability and family, school, and institutions.
Both projects have been proposed by the Parents Committee, which works within
the Bolognese subdivision of the Italian Blind Union. The first one, called
Blindfolded Pirates, is a special experience realized by children in
school, where sighted students are blindfolded, and asked to accomplish the same
activities as their blind and low vision companions. The second project, called
To Free the Dream, is in the process of being carried out, and concerns a series
of ten meetings for families, curricular and support teachers, professionals in
schools and institutions responsible of integrating young and older children
with physical and sensory disabilities. Participating are experts in the fields
of psychology, typhlology, typhlo-teaching, neuropsychiatry, and specialized in
the social, institutional, and associative areas as well. Meetings have begun on
October 11th, and will extend until February 21st.
Echoes in the Night
The 150th anniversary of the death of Louis Braille,
the great inventor of the writing and reading system bearing his name, has just
been celebrated. And it is still the year dedicated to persons with
disabilities. The Istituto Cavazza could not resist the temptation of
celebrating these important events, in particular the anniversary of the death
of Louis Braille. His brilliant and hard-fought invention, has contributed to
save the blind from a condition of hopeless isolation and total ignorance,
providing them with an easy to use instrument for reading and writing. It
therefore gave them opportunity to educate themselves, to study, to
learn, and access information, as well as employment. With courage and
sensibility, the Istituto Cavazza has faced the risks of an uneasy challenge,
and has encouraged, with the solicitous and concrete collaboration of the
Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Bologna, the production of a film entitled
Echoes in the Night. From some events related to the life of Louis Braille and
his brilliant invention, the film discusses the importance that had and
still has the Braille system, an irreplaceable instrument of cultural and social
emancipation for those who are blind. The title of the film Echoes in the Night
(Echi di Sera) has the same title as a musical composition from the 30's by
master Antonio Belletti, who was a student and later a teacher at the Istituto
Cavazza. 
The composition is actually the soundtrack of the movie. The movie
was directed by Bolognese director Enza Neuroni, working with a
group of excellent young actors. It was presented to the press these past weeks,
as well as to authorities, and to the closest collaborators of the Istituto
Cavazza and the Foundation. It will be introduced through the usual distribution
channels, and we hope it will have the success it deserves. A Web site for
Project C.I.F.R.A. was created (www.progettocifra.net), presenting information,
news, logistics, and activities.
Re-reading these notes, we realize that the initiatives, carried out during
the first two years of life of Project C.I.F.R.A., have been written somewhat
hastily, and that the necessity for synthesis does not necessarily agree with
being clear and exhaustive. Each initiative deserves to be fully discussed one
by one. As we know, behind each project there are, other than the human and
financial resources which are not always easily available, the continuous,
intense, and passionate work of many, often linked to fantasy and creative
ability. Their work is often disinterested, motivated by a generous feeling
of solidarity, and a strong moral and social commitment.
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