Biographical memories as islands of certainty in the ocean of complexity: a cooperative research on the effects of COVID-19 emergency in some disability services in Northern Italy

In a global historical moment characterised by profound uncertainty and fear, biographical memories can be a source of orientation and learning to change. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a complex phenomenon that is having local and global consequences and multidimensional effects. Respect for the rights of people with disabilities has also been challenged by this situation (COVID-19 Disability Rights Monitor, 2020) and this suggests a reflection on the services for these people. This contribution describes the first results of a research-training path (Formenti, 2017) that is involving some coordinators of disability services in Lombardy (Northern Italy). The research follows an exploratory research carried out during the first pandemic wave in Italy. The pathway uses a cooperative inquiry methodology (Heron, 1996). The re-enactment of some biographical memories is used as an instrument to go through some questions and problems such as, for example, social planning in a situation of uncertainty. The first results suggest a role of biographical memories in orienting some operative choices of social work. In a historical period characterised by the ineffectiveness of habitual schemes of action, the activation of transformative learning processes is required (Mezirow, 1991). Recalling a metaphor used by Morin (2011), biographical memories could constitute islands of certainty to navigate the ocean of complexity.