An "inadvertent slip", an "unwanted error" during a speech in the chamber. And immediately the powder keg of "criticisms and comments" exploded. This is what happened yesterday to regional councilor Emanuele Matta (M5s), who instead of "Sos Enattos" said "Sos Ettanos". An inversion of consonants that did not go unnoticed, but which became a starting point for reflection to bring attention "to a topic that deserves more attention and sensitivity: dyslexia".
The day after what happened in the chamber, Matta's words arrived, who in a long post on social media analyzed what happened, involving his followers and colleagues. "There are ambitions and responsibilities - the secretary of the Council begins - that each of us carries forward with dedication, often facing obstacles of various kinds. This is why I believe it is important to clarify what happened yesterday".
The error, "certainly unintentional", has given rise to a series of comments and criticisms. And here the councilor turns to the "exponents of the opposition", who "have chosen to exploit this episode, transforming it into a sterile and disproportionate attack. I am not looking for justifications. But those who, like me, have faced this challenge all their lives, know well what it means to feel at fault for a reading or pronunciation error. I experienced this condition first as a student, then as an engineer and finally as a political representative. And every time I stumbled upon a small error, I felt a sense of inadequacy. But the reality is different: limits, real or presumed, must never be a brake. You can reach the top, you can contribute concretely to the future of your territory, regardless of personal difficulties".
Line after line, reflection after reflection, the focus increasingly shifts to the topic of neurodivergence : "Some might think that those who live with dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) should avoid speaking in class or reading complex texts to avoid possible difficulties. I don't agree. I can't accept it. Those who choose to joke today perhaps ignore that it is a very widespread condition, which is not addressed with silence or exclusion, but with commitment, determination, respect and practice. True strength does not lie in the absence of difficulties, but in the ability to overcome them every day".
The President of the Region Alessandra Todde also intervened on the case : «Today in the Regional Council my colleague Emanuele Matta had a lot of courage. The courage to explain that the reading errors in the text he read yesterday during the session of the Chamber are linked to his dyslexia. And it has nothing to do with distraction or ignorance, as some have tried to make us believe, exploiting the event. With this gesture, my colleague Matta has not only moved us, but has turned a spotlight on his disorder by speaking about it with his head held high, in a dignified and serene manner. Thank you ».
(Unioneonline/vf)