Valeria Scommegna, a 27-year-old philosophy teacher originally from Barletta who relocated to Milan for work approximately six months ago, has publicly appealed for the return of her electric wheelchair after it was stolen from the entrance of her apartment building.
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when Valeria discovered her mobility aid missing from the building’s vestibule, where she routinely leaves it due to its size preventing storage inside her apartment. Without the wheelchair, she was unable to attend work, describing the loss as profoundly disruptive to her independence and daily life.
In a video posted to TikTok, Valeria expressed her distress with poignant clarity, stating: “Per me è un lutto, è come se mi avessero tagliato le gambe” (“For me it is a bereavement, it is as if they had cut off my legs”). The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 150,000 views within 12 hours and later surpassing 350,000 views and shares across social media platforms.
She used the platform not only to seek public assistance in locating the wheelchair but also to appeal directly to the person who took it, saying she would have helped them obtain one through proper channels had they been in require. Her message emphasized dignity and understanding over anger, contributing to the video’s widespread resonance.
The theft has left Valeria in a state of compromised autonomy, highlighting the critical role such assistive devices play in enabling access to employment, mobility, and social participation for people with disabilities.
Public Response and Social Media Mobilization
Following the video’s release, a wave of solidarity emerged online, with users sharing the post, offering support, and providing potential leads. The hashtag #perte and #neiperte accompanied the original TikTok upload, helping to amplify its reach. Commenters praised Valeria’s composed and empathetic tone, noting how her approach fostered empathy rather than hostility.
Local news outlets in Bari and Barletta reported on the incident, confirming her identity as a teacher and detailing her relocation to Milan for professional reasons. No arrests or recoveries have been officially reported as of the latest available updates.
Accessibility Challenges in Urban Housing
Valeria’s experience underscores broader infrastructural challenges faced by wheelchair users in Italian cities, particularly regarding building accessibility. Many older residential buildings in Milan lack elevators capable of accommodating electric wheelchairs, forcing residents to store them in shared spaces like lobbies or courtyards — a practice that, while necessary, can increase vulnerability to theft.
This incident raises questions about the adequacy of housing accommodations for people with disabilities and the need for inclusive urban planning that ensures both accessibility and security for assistive equipment.
Ongoing Appeal and Community Support
As of Thursday, April 17, 2026, Valeria continues to encourage anyone with information about the wheelchair’s whereabouts to come forward. She has not indicated plans to pursue legal action but remains focused on recovery of the device to restore her ability to work and move freely.
The case has drawn attention to the intersection of disability rights, urban accessibility, and community responsibility, prompting discussions about how cities can better support residents with mobility impairments.
For updates on this story, readers are encouraged to follow official channels or trusted local news sources. If you have any information regarding the missing wheelchair, please contact local authorities or share verified details through appropriate community networks.
If you found this account informative, please consider sharing it to help amplify Valeria’s appeal and support efforts to reunite her with her essential mobility aid.