The Lazio Region has received national recognition for its project ‘Multipurpose Centres for Autism’, which won first prize in the ‘Social Innovation, Inclusion and Vulnerability’ category of the Italian ‘PA OK! Working Together to Create Public Value’ competition.
Organised by the Italian Ministry of Public Administration, the award highlights the most impactful, innovative, and replicable projects developed by public authorities across the country. The Lazio initiative stood out among more than 200 participating public authorities for its strong focus on inclusion, quality of care, and service innovation.
Through the project ‘Multipurpose Centres for Autism’, Lazio aims to improve support for people with autism spectrum conditions through the creation of centres offering integrated and person-centred services. Therefore, these centres provide a range of activities, including educational, social, and employment-oriented support, tailored to individual needs. A key objective is to move beyond standardised care models towards personalised life projects, promoting autonomy and active participation in community.
“This project represents a shift from one-size-fits-all services to personalised support, developed in collaboration with people on the autism spectrum and those with other disabilities and complex needs, with the active involvement of their families, according to their particular needs and life plans”. Ornella Guglielmino, Regional Director for Social Inclusion.
An important feature of the initiative is its collaborative approach. The centres work closely with local authorities, schools, universities, and other types of organisations to ensure coordinated support. They also engage and involve the community to raise awareness about autism. In fact, local businesses and individuals volunteer to provide premises, training, and support for the activities of such centres, which allows activities to be organised in a bottom-up manner. This integrated model helps bridge gaps between services and supports smoother transitions between different stages of life.
On the occasion of World Autism Awareness Day, this recognition highlights the importance of strengthening inclusive and person-centred support systems for people with autism across Europe. It also serves as a reminder of the need for continued investment, awareness, and innovation.
Following the success of the pilot phase, the Lazio Region plans to expand the initiative through investment from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). Around 5 million euros have been allocated to establish 10 additional centres across the region, strengthening service provision and increasing access. This new phase also places emphasis on the use of technology and professional training for staff.
This experience by Lazio Region highlights the importance of recognising and celebrating achievements in social services. In this regard, the European Social Services Awards (ESSA), which will be co-hosted by Lazio Region and take place in Rome on 19-20 November 2026, will be an opportunity to spotlight outstanding good practices in the field, facilitating exchange and mutual learning. Call for Applications opens on 7 April 2026!