MAGAZINE
In Cefalù holidays are the same for everybody
Luigi Castrogiovanni offers assistance to the differently-abled
“Disability does not mean inabilit. It simply means adaptability” (C. Bradford)
Adaptability, a simple and intuitive word which indicates the need to make any situation accessible to whoever wishes to take part in it: from the most simple, ordinary experiences such as bathing in the sea, to the most particular and difficult. They are particularly difficult for those people who suffer from physical disabilities. Here is where the idea of Luigi Castrogiovanni, a young man from Cefalù who graduated in orthopaedics techniques, was born: “I felt this strong desire to allow anyone to spend their holiday in absolute tranquillity, not having to think about any kind of logistical problem”.
His passion was passed onto him by his father, the owner of an orthopaedic shop located on the main street of the Norman town, and, earlier, his great-grandfather: “[…] was the first person in the Madonie area to make shoes to measure […]”. Thanks to his latest generation technological products, Luigi offers the chance to differently-able people to benefit from innovative services which are unique in Sicily. After having evaluated the kind of problem, the young cefaludese decides upon which aid to offer in order to allow the tourist a comfortable holiday: self-propelled or motorised electrical wheelchairs, four-wheeled scooters, as well as the chance – after hearing from the accommodation facility – of having someone meet you directly at the airport upon arrival.
You will find exclusive models which will help you reach an almost absolute dependence, among which Tiride, which gives the chance to those who cannot leave their weelchair, to adapt to the latter a small electric engine that can help you move on all sorts of terrain, and Job, which gives the chance to the differently-able to go into the sea without having to leave their wheelchair. In addition to these products, many more are available in the shop: orthopaedic beds, bathtubs with door, orthopaedic insoles made to measure and many more.
“[…] every problem has its solution; if a wheelchair can’t get on a step which is too high, we even change the weel. Everything happens with extreme safety, the batteries of our products are always fully charged, no-one should ever suffer any inconvenience […]”. Luigi, together with other experts, made an orthopaedic insole to measure for one of the best-known pilots of the Targa Florio, Vic Elford. The pilot, lacking a big toe, managed to continue pursuing his passion also thanks to this aid. Luigi’s innovative ideas undoubtedly represent the achievement of a harmonic combination between one’s own passions and benefit of others.
If you wish to get in contact directly, visit the website www.ortopediacefalu.it or ask your hotel or b&b.