"For the past 18 years I have been a department manager with the ID-ASD-PD Directorate, where I had worked as a specialized educator since 1992. After 33 and a half years in the public health network, I am nearing retirement, and I would like to share with you a project that is very dear to my heart.
My career working with people who have an intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or physical disability has been guided by my belief that every person deserves recognition of their potential, access to real opportunities, and respectful, dignified treatment. My commitment has always centred on inclusion and social participation, both during my years as a social service professional and my 18 years as a manager.
Alongside my professional life, I have been a musician since I was a child. I began playing the piano at age ten and have been composing songs since my twenties. Music has always been my passion and about 15 years ago I began to work on creating a musical comedy, writing the libretto and composing the songs (a work in progress). It looks at life behind the scenes and pays tribute to the teams working in the shadows of the theatre.
One of the characters in this musical comedy has an intellectual disability, and is directly inspired by my professional life. The role was intentionally written to be performed by someone with a disability.
And that has led to a profoundly moving artistic collaboration. I composed the song Just Like You, which was recorded in studio by a young woman currently receiving services in my professional context. I was entirely unaware of her musical talent until someone suggested I contact her because she loves to sing.
The collaboration was incredible. She is extremely talented and her voice gives the song a depth and authenticity that really moved me. It’s a moment that confirms, once again, that when we offer people a real opportunity, they will shine."
-Nadia Fuoco
