A sunny day was the setting for an extraordinary initiative: the guided tour of the “Giants of Sila”, an enchanting forest of centuries-old larch and maple pines, also made accessible to deaf people thanks to the sign language interpreting service ( LIS). The event, promoted by the National Deaf Organization (ENS), represented an important step towards the inclusion and accessibility of naturalistic culture to all. The heart of the initiative was the guide who, with passion and competence, told the thousand-year history of the monumental trees that populate the protected area, explaining how these plant giants, over 45 meters tall and more than 350 years old, are living witnesses of the evolution of the Sila territory. “Each word was translated into Italian sign language by an interpreter, allowing the deaf people present to fully enjoy the experience” says Simona Lo Bianco, director of FAI – I Giganti della Sila.
The day dedicated to the FAI (Italian Environment Fund) and deaf people saw the participation of over fifty people, including families and groups of friends. The event was an opportunity to demonstrate that accessibility can also be achieved in natural contexts, too often considered unsuitable for those with sensory disabilities. The importance of accessibility in natural places. “This day was an example of how nature can be accessible to everyone, if time and resources are invested to break down communication barriers,” said Giulio Solla, president of the ENS Cosenza provincial section. “It’s not just about breaking down physical and communication barriers” adds the cav. Antonio Mirijello regional president of ENS Calabria, “but also to ensure that everyone can access the cultural and natural heritage with dignity and autonomy.”
The initiative is part of a series of projects promoted by the ENS to raise awareness of the importance of accessibility and active participation of deaf people in cultural and social life. Thanks to the collaboration with the FAI, this guided tour allowed us to combine love for nature with respect for diversity and inclusion. During the walk along the paths that lead to the Giants of Sila, visitors were able to admire the majesty of the forest and immerse themselves in the scents and autumn colours, while the guide illustrated the history of the area and the traditions linked to Sila. The sensory experience, enriched by the sounds of nature and the tranquility of the place, was made even more significant by the presence of families with children, who were able to experience a unique educational and training moment. The enthusiasm of the participants was palpable: “ There are few opportunities to participate in a visit like this, because often there are no LIS interpreters on the guided tours. Today I was finally able to enjoy nature and learn about the history of these enchanting places,” commented Francesco Scalise, a young deaf regional delegate of the FSSI.
The initiative concluded with a convivial moment, where participants were able to exchange experiences and reflections on the day. ENS representatives expressed the desire that similar events could become common practice in all protected natural areas, to ensure that the beauty of nature is a truly universal right. Yesterday demonstrated that making the wonders of Italy’s natural and cultural heritage accessible is possible, and that inclusion must be at the center of every initiative. The hope is that this event represents only the first step on a path towards increasingly inclusive tourism, in which everyone, regardless of their abilities, can discover and love the hidden treasures of our country. For now, Sila has warmly welcomed this challenge, and the Giants will continue to tell their story, in every language, including sign language.