The Municipality of Oeiras celebrates this Tuesday, December 3, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, renewing its commitment to promoting inclusion, fighting prejudice and creating opportunities for people with disabilities and/or disabilities, in our community.
The City of Oeiras develops several initiatives aligned with the needs of the disabled and/or disabled population, in partnership with the institutions of the territory, namely: Centro Nuno Belmar da Costa – APCL, Cooperative for Education and Rehabilitation of Citizens with Disabilities, CRL – CERCIOEIRAS, A Casa de Betânia, Child Growth and Early Intervention Mobile team – EMDIIP, Associação de Rehabilitação e integração Ajuda – ARIA, Oeiras Local Intervention Team – ELI Oeiras and the Universidade Atlantica.
These entities, together with the City of Oeiras, come together to promote solutions that contribute to the effective inclusion and well-being of the population.
We highlight the most emblematic initiatives developed in Oeiras:
✔ Accessible Beach Project: Access to the beach and swimming pools for people with mobility disabilities, promoting social inclusion and physical and psychological rehabilitation;
✔ Adapted Transport Service: A service that ensures more independence for people with mobility disabilities, which facilitates access to schools, rehabilitation services, culture and leisure.
✔ Seimear Quiosque – Inclusive Kiosk: A socio-professional inclusion project that promotes the employment of young people and adults with intellectual disabilities, raising awareness in the community of the importance of inclusion.
✔ Project Capacitar: Training and integration of young people with disabilities into the job market,guaranteeing them opportunities for personal and professional development.
✔ Oeiras Inclusion Desk: A specialized service space that offers information and support on topics such as accessibility, rights and social benefits.
✔ Inclusive Holiday Camps: A project extended to several institutions in the municipality,which aims to integrate children and young people with special educational needs.
To reinforce its commitment to inclusion, the Municipality is finalizing the ‘Municipal Plan for the Inclusion of Disabled and/or disabled People’. This strategic instrument will be fundamental to guide activities and interventions in this area, with the aim of promoting personal autonomy and encouraging the active participation of these people in different areas of life, namely social, educational and professional.
Oeiras city Council recognizes that there are still challenges to overcome,but it remains committed to ensuring that everyone has a life of dignity,full of prospect and inclusion.
Together, we build a more inclusive and accessible society.
#InternationalDisabilityDay #Inclusion #Accessibility #Employability #Autonomy
What are some accomplished initiatives that municipalities can implement to promote disability inclusion in their communities?
Interview with Dr. Maria Santos, Inclusion Expert, on Oeiras’ Commitment to Disability Inclusion
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Santos. With the International Day of Persons with Disabilities just around the corner, the Municipality of Oeiras has made notable strides in promoting inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Can you share your thoughts on the impact of such initiatives on the local community?
Dr. Maria Santos: Thank you for having me. The initiatives implemented by Oeiras are commendable and serve as a blueprint for other municipalities. Programs like the Accessible Beach Project and Adapted Transport Service not only enhance physical access but also contribute to the overall well-being of individuals with mobility disabilities. They foster a sense of belonging and autonomy, which is crucial for psychological rehabilitation.
Time.news editor: Absolutely. The variety of initiatives speaks volumes about the municipality’s commitment. Among them, the Inclusive Kiosk and Project Capacitar aim to integrate people with disabilities into the workforce. How vital is such socio-professional inclusion in today’s society?
Dr. Maria Santos: Socio-professional inclusion is essential for empowering individuals with disabilities. It dismantles stereotypes around their capabilities, proving that they can contribute meaningfully to the economy. The Inclusive Kiosk not only provides employment but also raises community awareness about the importance of inclusion. This shift in perception can lead to more opportunities and acceptance in various sectors.
Time.news Editor: The Oeiras Inclusion Desk and Inclusive Holiday Camps are other noteworthy initiatives. How do these efforts address the specific needs of children and adults with disabilities?
Dr. Maria Santos: The Oeiras Inclusion Desk serves as a crucial resource,offering information on accessibility,rights,and social benefits. It empowers individuals and families by providing the tools they need to navigate the system effectively. Meanwhile, Inclusive Holiday Camps create safe and engaging environments for children with special educational needs, promoting social interactions and friendships, which are vital for cognitive growth.
Time.news Editor: Looking forward, the Municipality is finalizing the ‘Municipal Plan for the Inclusion of Disabled and/or Disabled People’. How significant is such a strategic plan in facilitating long-term success?
Dr. Maria Santos: A strategic plan is fundamental for sustaining and scaling inclusion efforts. It ensures that initiatives are systematic, measurable, and aligned with the needs of the community. Such plans help in identifying gaps, allocating resources effectively, and setting clear goals for personal autonomy and active social participation.
Time.news Editor: What practical advice would you offer to other municipalities looking to emulate Oeiras’ approach to disability inclusion?
Dr. Maria Santos: Start by engaging with local organizations and individuals with disabilities to understand their needs and priorities. Develop initiatives that focus on accessibility, employability, and social inclusion. Foster partnerships with educational institutions and employers to create a more inclusive job market.Lastly, maintain an ongoing dialog with the community to adapt and evolve programs as needed.
Time.news Editor: thank you, Dr. santos, for sharing your insights. It’s inspiring to see a commitment to building a more inclusive society.Any final thoughts as we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities?
Dr.maria Santos: Yes, let’s remind ourselves that inclusion is not just about physical accessibility but also about culture and mindset. We must continue to advocate for the dignity and rights of individuals with disabilities and recognize their potential to contribute to our communities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and vibrant society.
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Keywords: disability inclusion,Oeiras,International Day of persons with Disabilities,socio-professional inclusion,accessible initiatives,community engagement,strategic plan for inclusion,employability for disabled individuals.
