The House of Abilities

(V.D.01) Housing, (V.D.03) Education, (V.D.04) Healthcare, (V.D.08) Affordability, (V.D.10) Vulnerable Families

The House of Abilities is an innovative project developed in the Belluno area that introduces a new approach to social inclusion, oriented towards developing individual abilities. It provides a concrete and integrated response to the needs of families with vulnerable children and young people, as well as adults with disabilities.

Main Objective:
To promote autonomous and independent living through personalized and ability-oriented pathways that enhance personal potential, strengthen family and community networks, and foster active participation in social life.

Starting from the principle that every person is skilled at something and limited in something else, the initiative seeks to enhance the remaining abilities of the most vulnerable young people, promoting their psychological, emotional, and relational well-being, and fostering increasing autonomy in managing daily life. The “House of Abilities” represents a new model of local welfare, capable of integrating social, health, and rehabilitative services in a single welcoming and sustainable space. It is a point of reference for families in the Belluno area, who currently do not have access to similar facilities nearby, and a driving force for collaboration between public institutions, schools, universities, associations, and social enterprises.The project includes spaces dedicated to residential life, social activities, and culture, promoting programs such as horticultural therapy, music therapy, mindfulness, pet therapy, and craft workshops, as well as moments for meetings and training for operators and citizens.The cultural and social value of the project is combined with solid economic sustainability, with an estimated investment of around 10 million euros and a management model that generates qualified employment and widespread value in the area. Supported by partners such as the University of Padua and Ser.S.A., the initiative aims to strengthen the local welfare system and counteract the depopulation of mountain areas, making Belluno a virtuous example of inclusion and cohesion. In short, the “House of Abilities” is a place of life, growth, and opportunity, where differences become a resource and where every person can develop their potential, contributing to the creation of a more supportive, open, and aware community.

https://oscardepellegrin.it/wpcontent/uploads/2022/06/Belluno_al_centro_Casa_delle_abilita.pdf

https://www.aulss1.veneto.it/service/servizi-per-la-disabilita-distretto-di-belluno/

Official Name of Signatory

Veneto Region, Italy

Delegation

Europe

Website of the Signatory

Click Here

Name of the person presenting the Good Practice

Oscar De Pellegrin Contact Position: Mayor of Belluno

Position/Job Title of person presenting the Good Practice

Contact Position: Mayor of Belluno

Aim of the Good Practice

The aim of the “House of Abilities” project is to provide a comprehensive and inclusive response to the needs of vulnerable children and adolescents, including those with disabilities, by promoting their residual abilities, psychological and emotional well-being, and greater autonomy in daily life. The project also seeks to support families, strengthen local welfare services, and foster social inclusion and community cohesion by integrating social, healthcare, and rehabilitative services in a single accessible and sustainable environment.

Target Group of the Good Practice

The primary target consists of vulnerable youth, adults and their families, while a secondary target includes social workers, educators, volunteers, and citizens engaged in the local welfare system.

Annual Monitoring Report

2025

Implementation period

The project is in the planning and development phase, with implementation expected in the coming years.

Consistency over time

The “House of Abilities” project is designed as a long-term, sustainable initiative. Its integrated model of social, healthcare, and rehabilitative services, combined with cultural and educational activities, ensures continuity of support for vulnerable youth and their families. Economic sustainability is reinforced by the projected initial investment of approximately €10 million and the creation of stable, qualified employment. Participatory governance and partnerships with universities and institutions guarantee continuous innovation and professional development for operators. Additionally, the provision of high-quality services helps retain families in the Belluno area, counteracting the depopulation of mountain communities and ensuring that the project remains relevant and impactful over time.

Evaluation of the Good Practice

The evaluation of the “House of Abilities” project should be conducted across social, economic, and institutional dimensions: 1. Social value: Improvement of quality of life for children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities, enhancing their autonomy, inclusion, and overall well-being. 2. Economic value: Generation of qualified employment, activation of local supply chains through the Third Sector and social enterprises, with indirect benefits for social tourism, education, and community events. 3. Institutional value: Strengthening of local welfare systems through collaborative networks among public bodies, schools, families, and universities. Evaluation indicators include psychological and emotional well-being of participants, autonomy gains, family satisfaction, effectiveness of service integration, sustainability of economic and organizational models, and the resilience of collaborative governance structures. Continuous monitoring and stakeholder feedback are key to ensuring ongoing improvement and long-term impact.

Key stakeholders and partnerships

Comune di Belluno,Veneto Region, ULSS1 Dolomiti, Azienda Ospedale Università di Padova.

Link for more information

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Future Goal 1

Enhancing Quality of Life and Opportunities Increase the quality of life and opportunities for families with vulnerable children by developing new social, health, and rehabilitation services. Broaden and enrich the range of therapeutic, educational, employment, and cultural programs—including music therapy, horticultural therapy, mindfulness, pet therapy, craft workshops, training, conferences, and research activities—to reach a greater number of children, adolescents, and young adults with disabilities. Actively pursue funding and investment opportunities to ensure long-term growth and sustainability.

Future Goal 2

Strengthening Integration and Collaboration Promote stronger integration and collaboration among social, healthcare, educational, and cultural services. Build partnerships with universities, research institutions, and local authorities to foster continuous innovation, professional development, and systemic sustainability.

Future Goal 3

Expansion and Replicability Expand and replicate the House of Abilities model to increase its territorial and community impact, supporting families’ permanence in the Belluno area. Promote social inclusion and sustainable living, and create a cultural and community network that engages local stakeholders and positions the project as a regional and national point of reference.