Eighty years of history, but above all a look towards the future: with the inaugural conference full of contents, projects and perspectives, UNITAS officially opened the celebrations for its eightieth anniversary, reaffirming its role as a point of reference for blind and visually impaired people in Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Founded in 1946 on the initiative of Tarcisio Bisi, the association has endured decades of social, cultural, and technological transformation, evolving from a mutual support organization to a recognized center of expertise in the field of visual impairment. This journey has been built thanks to the contributions of members, collaborators, volunteers, and institutional partners.
In his inaugural address, President Fabio Casgnola emphasized that this anniversary represents not only a symbolic commemoration, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing the association. Central to UNITAS's strategic vision is the shift from a traditional self-help model to an approach based on full inclusion, with the goal of encouraging the participation of blind and visually impaired people in every aspect of social, cultural, and professional life.
Among the priorities identified are strengthening employment opportunities, adapting the association's model to the needs of younger generations, and using technology as a tool for autonomy. Equally important is the issue of economic sustainability: the association aims to consolidate its resources through innovative projects, efficient management, and a renewed ability to attract support.
Eighty years told between paper and sound memory
A central part of the celebrations is dedicated to the historical reconstruction of the association. The project, curated by Fredy Franzoni, Franca Taddei, and Mario Vicari, offers a detailed account of UNITAS's first eighty years through two complementary tools: an audio version and a print publication.
The association's sound archive, enriched by materials from the historic spoken magazine active since 1965—and preceded by Braille editions—is a valuable testament to UNITAS's evolution. From reels to audio cassettes, from CDs to digital media, the collected heritage has been progressively digitized and indexed, making accessible a collective memory spanning generations.
Alongside this work, the special edition of InfoUnitas Dedicated to the anniversary, it offers a rich collection of testimonials, images, and contributions. The volume traces the association's key milestones, highlighting the diverse experiences that have shaped its development.
The common thread that unites the entire project is Tarcisio Bisi's original vision: to build an association of and for blind and visually impaired people. This vision has been realized over the decades, making UNITAS the leading center of expertise in Italian-speaking Switzerland for issues related to visual impairment.
Today, the association includes diverse entities such as Casa Tarcisio in Tenero, Casa Andreina in Lugano, the Consulting Sector with typhlpedagogy, typhlology, and IT services, the Specialized Library, and the Secretariat. The commemorative project is rounded out by an informative summary, "80 Years in 8 Pills," which condenses the key milestones of this long journey into eight minutes.
A SUPSI study to better understand the needs
Among the initiatives presented is a study conducted in collaboration with the Work, Welfare, and Society Competence Center of the Department of Business Economics, Health, and Social Affairs at SUPSI. The study aims to provide a detailed picture of the users who use UNITAS services in Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Through the anonymized analysis of variables such as age, gender, type of services requested, and service usage patterns, the project will identify user profiles and better understand emerging needs. The results, expected in the fall, will provide a useful basis for both potential adjustments to the offering and the potential creation of a regional observatory dedicated to blind and visually impaired people.
The radio as a meeting space
Among the new projects there is also space We will see each other later, a radio show born from a collaboration between UNITAS and Radio Gwendalyn. The format includes 40 weekly episodes and aims to discuss visual impairment in an accessible, engaging way that appeals to a wide audience.
The aim is not to offer a specialized narrative, but rather to create a shared space where stories, testimonies, reports, and music can interact naturally. The project also enhances the association's audio heritage and includes a training program aimed at creating a mixed editorial team.
The first episode will be aired on Radio gwen, inaugurating a path that intends to use the radio as a place for authentic listening and comparison between different perspectives.
An immersive concert with the OSI
The culmination of the celebrations is scheduled for August 27 in Locarno, in the PalaCinema square, with an open-air concert by the Orchestra della Svizzera italiana.
The event will offer UNITAS members a particularly meaningful experience: the chance to sit directly among the musicians, experiencing the orchestra from within. This rare opportunity is designed to make music an immersive and fully accessible experience.
Open doors and new services for 2026
On the occasion of International White Cane Day, October 15th, UNITAS will be promoting a series of initiatives open to the public at its offices. The goal is to raise awareness of the association's activities, raising awareness among citizens, schools, and institutions.
Two new services will also be launched in 2026. The first will be dedicated to job coaching, to support blind and visually impaired people in accessing and maintaining employment. The second will be a collaboration with the Scuola della Mela and will focus on developing digital skills and the accessible use of smartphones and tablets.
Sport and inclusion: 50 years of the GTSC
2026 also marks another important anniversary: the fiftieth anniversary of the GTSC, the Ticino Group of Blind and Visually Impaired Sportspeople. Founded in 1976, for half a century the association has been a concrete example of how sport can foster independence, participation, and relationships.
From alpine and cross-country skiing to tandem skiing, swimming and sailing, hiking and gymnastics, the activities promoted today involve over 300 members. A distinctive element of the GTSC model is the relationship between athletes and guides, based on trust, expertise, and sharing.
The celebrations will take place on October 17th and 18th in Tenero with demonstration days, recreational moments, and a concert by Swiss artist Sebalter, before the official closing lunch.
A vision that continues
Eighty years after its founding, UNITAS continues to evolve. Building on its history, the association looks to the future with the goal of consolidating its role as a specialized platform, a trusted partner, and a driving force for social innovation.
The anniversary represents not only a milestone, but also the beginning of a new era, in which inclusion, autonomy, and participation will continue to guide the association's work. Because building an accessible society means, first and foremost, making it more open to all.
