ESTABLISHMENT
SOCIAL HABITATION AND SUPPORT FOR HABITATIONAL RETURN

The Institute for Housing and Urban Rehabilitation, I.P. (IHRU), offers several rental support programs, including the possibility of applying for social housing from IHRU, I.P., information that you can consult by accessing the Housing Portal.

There are also municipalities that provide support, such as social housing and housing rental subsidies. Such support shall be granted in accordance with specific programmes and criteria laid down in for each municipality, in its own regulation. You can consult the contacts and other information about the Portuguese municipalities through the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP).

SUPPORTED RENTAL

DO PERSONS WITH DISABILITY OR INCAPACITY HAVE PRIORITY IN ACCESS TO SOCIAL HABITATION AND SUPPORT FOR HABITATIONAL RETURN?

No, no. In the conditions of access to a supported rental housing, no priority is foreseen due to disability. However, in any of the competition modalities and whenever the typology and conditions of the dwellings allow, preferential criteria are defined, namely for single parent families or integrating minors, persons with disabilities or aged 65 or over, or for victims of domestic violence.

DOES THE CALCULATION OF INCOME IN A SUPPORTED RENTAL SCHEME FOR FAMILY AGGREGATES INTEGRATING PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE ANY BONIFICATION?

Yes, there is a bonus. If the household has People with disabilities equal to or greater than 60%, the monthly income is corrected with a factor that reduces the value of the income. For each person with a disability, 0.1 is added to that factor, and if that person is also dependent, the effect is cumulative. The final rent is then calculated on the basis of that corrected income and a formula defined by law.

WHERE ONE OF THE FAMILY AGGREGATE’S PERSONS OBTAINS A DISABILITY DURING THE SUPPORTED LENDING CONTRACT, CAN THE INCOME BE REVIEWED? Yes, you can. The law allows the tenant to request a revision of the rent in this situation, provided that the disability corresponds to a degree of disability of 60% or more.

For more information see:

SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR ACCESS TO HOUSING - 1º RIGHTS

WHAT IS THE SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR ACCESS TO HOUSING?

It is a program, called 1.º Direito, which aims to support the promotion of solutions for people living in unworthy housing conditions and who do not have the financial capacity to bear the cost of access to adequate housing.

Unworthy housing conditions include precariousness, overcrowding, unhealthiness, insecurity and inadequacy to the specific needs of resident persons, such as in cases of persons with disabilities or disabilities (e.g. accessibility conditions).

WHAT SOLUTIONS CAN BE SUPPORTED UNDER THIS PROGRAMME?

Housing solutions for rental, rehabilitation, construction or acquisition can be supported. These solutions can be combined with each other (example: acquisition of property and its subsequent rehabilitation).

WHAT TYPE OF FINANCING IS GRANTED FOR ACCESS TO HOUSING?

Funding may cover additional units, buildings or equipment.

In the case of rehabilitation, construction or acquisition, funding may comprise two components:

  • non-refundable financial contribution;
  • Loan interest rate subsidy for the remaining part.

In the case of rental, the financing only integrates the non-repayable co-financing component.

CAN FAMILY APPLY FOR ACCESS TO HOME SUPPORT?

Yes, yes. To apply, families must submit an application for housing support to the municipality, which evaluates the applications for support, and may choose to allocate municipal housing, integrate the applications in their application or follow the applications as autonomous applications.

DOES THE SUPPORT PROGRAMME FOR ACCESS TO HABITATION COVER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ACCESSIBILITY CONDITIONS NECESSARY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES?

Yes, the programme enshrines the principle of accessibility. According to this principle, rehabilitation or construction works in housing units and buildings must incorporate solutions that provide people with mobility and autonomy with conditions of ease and comfort in access to their housing and circulation within it, required under the legally applicable technical standards.

The programme considers that people who do not have adequate housing live in unworthy conditions, due to the incompatibility of housing conditions with the specific characteristics of people who live in it, in particular people with disabilities or disabilities, namely housing with barriers to access to floors and indoor areas, which prevents adjusted circulation and use.

The costs of works and equipment intended to enable buildings and dwellings to comply with technical accessibility standards, provided that they do not exceed 10 % of the total value of the construction or rehabilitation contract, shall be taken into account in their entirety for the purposes of granting financial support in the form of assistance.

For more information you can consult 1.º Right - Housing Portal and Decree-Law No º 37/2018, of 4 June, as amended, approving the Support Programme for Access to Housing - 1.º Direito.

PORT OF ENTRY

WHAT IS THE PORT OF ENTRY – URGENT ACCOMMODATION SUPPORT PROGRAMME?

The Entry Door - Urgent Housing Support Program - aims to respond to situations of households deprived of housing due to temporary or permanent deprivation of the place where they lived, or that are at imminent risk of staying in this situation as a result of an unforeseeable and or irremediable event by themselves, namely natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, fires), phenomena of collective migration, family breakdown (e.g. victims of domestic violence) or other situations that, by nature, only require urgent accommodation.

HOW DOES THE PORT OF ENTRY BE CONCERNED?

The support to be granted under the Gateway is defined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the housing needs of the beneficiary persons and the responses available. This support may be financial, in-kind or both and or through support provided by other entities.

Support in kind may take the form of renting housing owned by the IHRU, I.P., the Autonomous Regions and municipalities, including regional and local public companies, that are vacant, providing technical support to prepare applications and carry out works, namely at the level of submission of applications for permits and project preparation, and donating materials to be incorporated into the work.

The financial support to be made available by the IHRU, I.P. shall take the form of non-reimbursable financial contributions to finance temporary housing and/or access to permanent housing for persons benefiting from the Gateway and, if necessary, to grant loans for the non-reimbursed part of the costs for the reconstruction or rehabilitation of housing owned or usufructuary by beneficiary persons, in whole or in part, or for the purchase and rehabilitation or construction of new housing.

DOES THE PORT OF ENTRY PROGRAMME COVER PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES?

Yes, yes. The programme states that the existence of people with a disability equal to or greater than 60% is a factor in weighting and correcting the average monthly household income. As a result, the co-financing granted in the case of households integrating persons with disabilities will be higher.

Where programme allocations prove insufficient for all the situations to be supported, one of the preferred criteria for selecting applications is the existence of clusters integrating people with disabilities.

For more information you can consult Entrance Door - Housing Portal and Decree-Law No º 29/2018, of 4 May, in its current wording, establishing the Entry Gate - Urgent Accommodation Support Programme.

PROGRAMME PORTA 65 JOVEM

WHAT IS THE PORTA 65 JOVEM PROGRAMME – YOUTH LENDING?

The Porta 65 Youth Programme aims to support 18-35 year olds in renting housing for permanent residence by allocating a percentage of the rent as a monthly grant.

You can benefit from Door 65 Young:

  • young people aged 18 years and over and aged 35 years and under;
  • couples of young people not legally separated from persons and property or in partnership, with residence in the rented housing, aged 18 years or over and aged 35 years or less, one of the members of the couple may be aged up to 37 years;
  • young people in cohabitation, aged 18 years or over and aged 35 years or less, sharing a dwelling for their permanent residence.

CAN PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES APPLY TO PORTA 65 JOVEM?

Yes, yes. In this programme, the percentage of the monthly grant may be increased by 15% if none of the young people or members of the household is a Permanently Disabled Person with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60% or has a dependent person in the same situation.

Applications are ranked in descending order of the scores obtained, based on the criteria set out in the legislation, one of which is the number of people with disabilities greater than or equal to 60%.

WHAT IS THIS SUPPORT FOR?

The financial support is awarded through a monthly non-repayable grant, for periods of 12 months, and may be renewed in subsequent applications, up to a maximum of 60 months. The monthly grant is a percentage of the monthly rent.

HOW CAN YOU APPLY FOR THE PORTA 65 JOVEM PROGRAMME?

The application is made online, on the Housing Portal, in Door 65 Young, by accessing the "Submit Application" option.

All candidates of the young household must access the platform, authenticating themselves with a Citizen Card, Digital Mobile Key or TIN and their password to access the Finance Portal.

For the instruction of the application, one of the necessary elements to be submitted is proof of the existence of elements of the household with disabilities and their degree of incapacity.

For more information see:

BONIFIED CREDIT

DO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE A RIGHT TO BONIFIED CREDIT?

Yes, yes. Access to the scheme for granting subsidised housing credit to persons with disabilities for the purchase of permanent own housing implies that the following cumulative conditions are met:

  • over 18 years of age, with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60%, attested by a Multipurpose Medical Disability Certificate;
  • the loan is not allocated to the acquisition of ownership of the relatives in the ascending or descending line of the person concerned;
  • no member of the household has another loan, under any subsidised credit scheme, intended for the acquisition, extension, construction and/or execution of works;
  • The mortgage of the financed property is required and cannot be disposed of for a minimum period of five years.

For more information, see the Law No º 64/2014, of 26 August, approving the scheme for the granting of subsidised housing loans to persons with disabilities.

WHAT DOES APPROVAL OF THE CREDIT BONIFIED IN ACCESS TO THE HOUSING PURPOSE HAVE TO BE APPROVED?

The granting of subsidised credit is dependent on the bank's assessment made in the general terms of granting housing loans, namely the fact that it has income that makes it possible to pay the credit, as well as compliance with the specific conditions relating to this scheme.

DO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE TO MAKE LIFE SAFETY TO OBTAIN BONIFIED CREDIT IN ACCESS TO HABITATION?

No, no. The contracting of life insurance for access to the conditions provided for in the credit for persons with disabilities is not mandatory.

For more information on housing support, see Housing portal and Institute of Housing and Urban Rehabilitation, I.P. (IHRU).

Right to Forget

What is the Right to Forget?

It is the right of the person who has overcome or mitigated a situation of aggravated health risk or disability not to provide information to the insurer or the institution granting credit to him, beyond the time limits laid down by law. This right aims to prevent past and outdated health situations from being used in a discriminatory manner.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF THE LEFT RIGHT?

This right ensures that the outdated medical history is not used, in a discriminatory manner, namely for refusal to hire, increase of premiums or imposition of more severe conditions, and that entities that market housing credit, consumer credit and compulsory or optional insurance associated with such credits respect the rights of persons who have overcome or mitigated situations of aggravated health risk or disability.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE BASED ON A GRADUATED HEALTH OR DISABILITY RISK?

wilful or negligent actions or omissions which infringe the principle of equality by treating persons who have overcome or mitigated situations of increased risk to health or disability less favourably than another person in a comparable situation, in accordance with Law 46/2006, of 28 August, as amended, are considered to be discriminatory practices.

WHAT DOES PERSONS WHO HAVE SUPERVISED A SITUATION OF DISABILITY HAVE UNDERSTANDED?

They are people who have been proven to have a disability equal to or greater than 60% and who have recovered their psychological, intellectual, physiological or anatomical structures or functions, reducing their disability below that threshold.

HAS AN INCAPACITY EXCEEDING 60%, BUT NOW IT'S 45%. CAN I EXERCISE THE RIGHT TO FORGETHER AND NOT DECLAR MY CURRENT INCAPACITY?

If you have had a disability of 60% or more and have recovered your structures or functions, reducing your disability below that value, you can exercise the right to be forgotten.

For more information you can consult the and Decree-Law No º 79/2026, of 17 March, and a Law No º 75/2021, of 18 November, in its current wording.

WHAT DOES PERSONS HAVE MITIGATED HEALTH OR DEFICIENCY RISK SITUATIONS?

Persons who, through appropriate treatment, are undergoing treatments proven to be capable of significantly and durably reducing the effects of the situation of increased risk of health or disability, in accordance with the terms and time limits laid down in Decree-Law No. º 79/2026, of 17 March.

WHAT PRODUCTS DOES THE RIGHT TO FORGETHER APPLY TO?

The right to be forgotten applies in the hiring of housing credit granted under the Decree-Law No º 74-A/2017, of 23 June, as amended, and consumer credit granted under the Decree-Law No º 133/2009, of 2 June, in its current wording, as well as the contracting of compulsory or optional insurance linked to these claims.

WHICH ENTITIES ARE COVERED BY THE LEFT RIGHT?

O Decree-Law No. º 79/2026, of 17 March applies to the following entities operating in Portuguese territory:

  • credit institutions;
  • financial corporations;
  • mutual societies;
  • payment institutions;
  • electronic money institutions;
  • welfare institutions;
  • insurance undertakings;
  • insurance distributors.

IN THE CASE OF A HEALTH DISEASE OR RISK, IS THE BANKER OR INSTITUTION REQUIRED TO INFORM WHAT THE PRIZE WOULD BE WITHOUT THIS CONDITION?

Yes, yes. The insurer must inform you of the amount of the premium if you did not have this disease or health risk, or when you claim the right to be forgotten.

SHOULD I INFORM THE SUPERVISOR THAT I HAVE ALREADY OVERPASSED OR HAPPENED A SITUATION OF DISEASE OR DISABILITY?

When exercising the right to be forgotten, you do not need to inform the insurance company.

WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THE RIGHT TO FORGETHER?

Persons who have overcome or mitigated situations of aggravated health risk or disability, as a consumer, in the hiring of housing credit and consumer credit, as well as in the hiring of compulsory or optional insurance associated with such credits, may benefit from the right to be forgotten, and may not be discriminated against during the negotiation, conclusion and duration of such contracts.

WHEN DOES IT BE CONSIDERED THAT A PERSON NO LONGER HAVE A GRADUATED HEALTH RISK?

A person is considered to have overcome an aggravated health risk when he or she no longer suffers from the condition, after having carried out an effective treatment that has been able to significantly and durably reduce the effects of that condition, according to the grid approved in the annex to the Decree-Law No. º 79/2026.

The reference grid defines the periods after which persons who have overcome or mitigated situations of aggravated health risk or disability have the right to be forgotten in the hiring of credit for housing and consumer credit, as well as in the hiring of compulsory or optional insurance associated with such credits.

The reference grid is updated every two years, after consulting the Directorate-General for Health and after hearing the Medical Association, and published on the SNS24 website. Where a particular condition does not appear on the reference grid, Article 3.º(2) of the Law No º 75/2021, of 18 November, as amended.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SPECIFICALLY QUESTION TO ME ABOUT A PATOLOGY THAT I HAVE ALREADY EXCEEDED OR MITIGATE?

In this case, it should be mentioned that the situation has already been overcome or mitigated.

No health information relating to the situation of aggravated health risk or disability may be collected by credit institutions, financial corporations, mutual societies, provident societies, payment institutions, electronic money institutions, insurance undertakings and insurance distributors in a pre-contractual context provided that:

a) 10 years since the end of the therapeutic protocol, in the case of an aggravated health risk or overcome disability;

b) Five years from the end of the therapeutic protocol, if the pathology overcome occurred before the age of 21;

c) Two years of continuous and effective therapeutic protocol in case of aggravated health risk or mitigated disability.

For more information, see the Law No º 75/2021, of 18 November, as amended.

WHAT HAPPENS IF COMMUNICATED THAT I HAVE A DISEASE THAT I HAVE SUPERCEEDED OR MITIGATED?

Even if such information is communicated, entities may not use it for risk assessment purposes, including in the definition of contractual conditions.

For more information you can consult the Decree-Law No. º 79/2026, of 17 March, and a Law No º 75/2021, of 18 November, in its current wording.

MOBILITY
A personal mobility of persons with disabilities is a key factor in promoting their rights and ensuring their full participation in an inclusive society.
PARKING CARD

WHO IS THE COMMUNITY MODEL PARKING CARD FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES INTENDED?

The Community model parking card for persons with disabilities is intended for:

  • a a person with a motor, physical or organic disability which has a permanent functional limitation of 60% or more, provided that such disability makes it difficult for him or her to travel on public roads or to access and use conventional public transport without the assistance of others or without recourse to means of compensation, including prostheses and orthoses, wheelchairs, crutches and walking sticks;

  • a a person with an intellectual disability and a person with autism with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60%;

  • a Visually impaired person with a permanent change in vision of 95 % or more.

The degree of disability must be proven by the medical certificate of disability multiuso (AMIM).

HOW CAN I OBTAIN THE COMMUNITY MODEL PARKING CARD FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES?

The Parking Card must be requested by the person concerned or by his representative. No the Institute of Mobility and dos Transport, I.P. (IMT, I.P.).

The request can be made through the services in the IMTonline, pin front of the IMT, I.P., in Regional Directorates and District Delegations of the IMT, Including in the Citizen's Shops or through eelectronic network.

WHERE CAN I STATION WITH THE PARKING CARD?

Parking is possible in places reserved for persons with disabilities, even when they have a sign indicating a parking card number Or a plate. The sign with this information is not a sign recognised by the road code.

It is still possible park elsewhere, but only for short periods of time, provided that it does not impair the normal and free movement of pedestrians and vehicles and when parking is absolutely necessary.

WHAT ARE THE PUBLIC ENTITIES’ PARKING OBLIGATIONS?

Public entities with parking spaces for users shall ensure that parking spaces are provided free of charge for Persons with disabilities. Public entities that do not have parking for users shall ensure that parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities are made available on public roads, in the same legal terms.

HOW IF IT CAN OBTAIN A PLACE OF PARKING RESERVED WITH A MATRIX OF THE ASSOCIATED VEHICLE?

The allocation of parking space reserved for people with disabilities, within the localities, is the responsibility of the City Councils, who also have the task of placing the respective signage.

For more information, concerning the Parking Card for Persons with Disabilities Conditioned on their Mobility, you can consult the page of the IMT, I.P., o Decree-Law No º 307/2003, of 10 December, as amended, approving the Community model parking card and the Regulatory Decree No º 22-A/98, of 1 October, as amended, approving the Transit Signaling Regulation.

CULTURE

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE VISITS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TO MYSELF, PALACES, MONUMENTS AND ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES?

Museums, Palaces, Monuments and Archaeological Sites include the possibility of appropriate visits and programming to audiences with specific needs, although some, upon prior contact. However, in some monuments, due to the intrinsic conditions of the sites, the public visit is only partially accessible to people with restricted mobility.

THERE ARE MUSEUMS AND OTHER MONUMENTS WITH VISITS ACCESSIBLE TO CEGAS PERSONS AND S PERSONSURDAS?

Yes, yes. There are several museums and monuments that offer publications in Braille, audiobooks, audioguides, videoguides and that have visits accompanied by interpreters of Portuguese Sign Language.

DO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE FREE ENTRY INTO MUSEUM AND MONUMENTS?

All people of Portuguese nationality residing in Portugal, have free access, 52 days a year, on any day of the week, to the Museums, Monuments and Palaces under the tutelage of the governmental area of Culture (private and municipal equipment are not included). To do this, simply go to any ticket office, with its identification document and taxpayer number. Knowhere which monuments are included.

In addition to this free of charge, persons with disabilities may have a ticket price reduction set by the museum or monument. In all monuments and museums under the jurisdiction of the governing area of Culture, admission is free for persons with restricted mobility and for the person accompanying them, as well as for visitors with a proven disability equal to or greater than 60% and one or one accompanying person.

At the local level, each municipality defines the rules of ticketing in its cultural spaces. You should, prior to the visit, consult the websites of the municipalities to know the respective conditions.

DO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE THE RIGHT TO A FREE BILLET FOR ACCOMPANYERS IN SPECTACLES OF ARTISTIC NATURE?

Yes, yes. In accordance with Decree-Law No º 65/2026 of 5 March, a free ticket was created for an accompanying person with a disability in public bodies promoting artistic performances. Thus, the person accompanying a disabled person is entitled to a free ticket, under the terms defined by the applicable legislation and by the ticketing rules of the venue.

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES HAVE A PLACERESERVED AND SUITABLE FOR YOUR NEEDS IN SALES OF ARTISTIC NATURE?

Yes, yes. Persons with disabilities have reserved and suitable places for their needs; according to the capacity fixed by the General Inspection of Cultural Activities (IGAC) for this purpose. To this end, IGAC issues a preliminary opinion on urban operations and carries out periodic inspections of fixed venues for artistic performances, verifying compliance with the provisions of the legislation regarding accessibility conditions and the corresponding adaptation of existing facilities, buildings, establishments and surrounding spaces to this reality.

For more information, see the Decree-Law No 163/2006, of 8 August, in its current wording, approving the accessibility regime for buildings and establishments receiving public, public roads and residential buildings.

WHAT CHECKS OUT IGAC IN PERIODIC INSPECTIONS CONDUCTING SPECTACULE EQUIPMENT AND/OR BALANCES?

During periodic inspections, access to the enclosures shall be checked, including:

  • a existence of floor rebounds or need for ramping;

  • a width of doors and corridors;

  • a provision of wheelchair seats inside the showrooms;

  • a existence of an adapted sanitary facility and the appropriate height of service desks - ticket office and cafeteria counter (if any).

  • zWheels for rotating chairs, among other things.

SYSTEMS FOR THE ISSUING AND SALE OF CULTURAL SPECTACLES SHALL BE ACCESSIBLE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES?

Yes. O Decree-Law No º 65/2026 of 5 March, provides for the adequacy of ticketing and ticketing systems with accessibility obligations to ensure that persons with disabilities can purchase tickets for shows on an equal basis. This obligation applies in particular to ticketing systems used by entertainment organisations, including electronic ticketing platforms, physical ticket offices and reservation systems.

The adaptation of these systems aims to ensure that ticketing processes are accessible, understandable and usable by all, in accordance with the principles of accessibility and universal design.

WHAT ENTITY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MUSEUMS, PALACES AND MONUMENTS?

The responsible entity is the Cultural Heritage, I.P. All projects under your responsibility, comply with theThe principles of Decree-Law 163/2006, 8 August, as amended.

There is one set of accessibility projects within the scope of Accessible Tourism that are in the implementation phase and are supported by Tourism of Portugal, covering the World Heritage Monasteries, in the Central Region (Alcobaça, Batalha, Convent of Christ) and the National Palace of Mafra.

For more information see Cultural Heritage, I.P., responsible for the management of Cultural Heritage, in mainland Portugal.

ARE THERE MECHANISMS FOR RECOGNITION OF GOOD ACCESSIBILITY PRACTICES IN CULTURAL EQUIPMENT?

Yes, yes. O The Accessible and Inclusive Cultural Spaces (SECAI) label is an instrument for recognising good accessibility practices in cultural facilities. This seal was created by Ordinance No. º 432/2025/1 of 5 December, with the aim of promoting and valuing cultural spaces that adopt measures aimed at ensuring the access and participation of People with disabilities in cultural life. The label can be attributed to different types of cultural facilities, such as museums, monuments, concert halls and other cultural spaces open to the public. Its attribution aims to encourage the continuous improvement of physical, sensory and communicational accessibility conditions.

HOW DOES IT ALLOCATE THE SEAL “ACESSIBLE AND INCLUSIVE CULTURAL SPACES” TO A CULTURAL EQUIPMENT?

The award of the “Accessible and Inclusive Cultural Spaces” Seal depends on the verification of compliance with accessibility criteria defined in the Ordinance No. º 432/2025/1 of 5 December.

The cultural facilities concerned shall demonstrate that they take measures to promote accessibility and inclusion, including physical accessibility of buildings and spaces, accessibility of information and communication, and provision of adequate resources and services for persons with different types of disabilities. The label has a promotional and recognition nature, seeking to encourage cultural facilities to develop practices that guarantee access to culture on an equal basis.

WHERE CAN I CONSULT INFORMATION ON ACCESSIBLE CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING?

Through the website Accessible Culture – Accessible Programming Agenda can obtain information on accessible cultural programming. This page also gives greater visibility to the effort of some cultural entities in Portugal to make their offer accessible. 

A Access Culture is a non-profit cultural association that promotes physical, social and intellectual access to cultural participation. It has as associates cultural professionals, cultural entities and other people interested in accessibility issues.

CAN PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ACCEPT REFERENCE WORKS AND DOCUMENTS SPECIALISED IN BIBILITIES?

Yes, yes. A National Library of Portugal it has assisted face-to-face reading services, expansion equipment and home loan. 

The Library of IDiPD offers, under free access, assistance and support in the consultation of information. It has a computer adapted with screen reader and Braille printer, Portuguese Sign Language Interpreter (with appointment) and home loan. You can consult the library's online catalogue through the Integrated Library Management System - Library of IDiPD.

SPORT

Sport is a structuring vector of Portuguese society that aims to promote widespread sports practice and healthy lifestyles, contributing to the health, quality of life and well-being of the population.

In order to allow the Persons with disabilities participate, on an equal basis with others, in sporting activities, Portugal takes appropriate measures to encourage and promote their participation to the greatest extent possible.

For more information see the Council of Ministers Resolution No º 54/2026of 17 March, approving the National Sports Development Plan (PNDD).

WHAT ARE THE ENTITIES PROMOTING SPORTING PRACTICE IN PORTUGAL?

  • Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth, I.P. (IPDJ): its mission is to implement an integrated and decentralised policy for the areas of sport and youth, in close cooperation with public and private bodies, in particular sports bodies, youth associations, students and local authorities. The IPDJ, I.P., intervenes in the definition, implementation and evaluation of public sport policy, promoting the generalization of sport, as well as support for regular and high-performance sports, through the provision of technical, human and financial means.

  • Paralympic Committee of Portugal(CPP): a non-profit sports institution with the mission of disseminating, developing and defending the Paralympic Movement and sport in general, in accordance with the standards of the International Paralympic Committee. Its mission is also to promote the taste for sports as a means of character formation, defense of health, the environment, cohesion and social inclusion and the responsibility of managing the Paralympic Preparation Program., ensuring participation in the Paralympic and Deaflympics Games.

  • Portuguese Federation of Sports for People with Disabilities(FPDD): a multi-sport federation which pursues, at national level, the development of the cumulative practice of various sports in the field of sport for Persons with disabilities, in articulation and respect for National Associations, by area of disability their affiliates. It has the status of Public Utility, assuming also the status of Non-Governmental Organization of Persons with Disabilities (NGPD). Its members are the four National Disability Sports Associations, abbreviated as ANDD:

  • AssociationNational Sport for the Visually ImpairedANDDVIS);
  • National Sports Association for Intellectual Development(ANDDI-Portugal);
  • Portuguese Sports League for the Deaf (LPDS);
  • Cerebral Palsy - National Sports Association (PCAND).

  • Academic Federation of University Sports (FADU): Sports Federation that focuses on sport as a determining tool in the training and education process of the citizens and of the citizens. It was born from a movement of several academies in the country with the aim of boosting, encouraging and organizing sport within Higher Education.

  • Category: Federations by sportYou can know each of them the website of the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth, I.P. (IPDJ).

CAN A PERSON WITH DISABILITY DO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OR PRACTICE A SPORT?

Yes, yes. In principle, everyone, regardless of their disability, can do physical activity or play a sport, it is sufficient that the necessary conditions exist for this.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE REGULAR PRACTICE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY?

These are physiological benefits associated with cardiovascular health and reduced risk of developing diseases associated with inactivity and sedentary lifestyle., of a psychological nature related to the development of skills to control anxiety, day-to-day tensions and combat depression, and of a sociological nature related to the inclusion of the person with disabilities in society, enabling them to feel part of a whole.

WHERE CAN PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES PRACTICE SPORTS?

Overall, the vast majority of organisations from Persons with disabilities pursue sports and leisure activities, according to the area of disability in which they operate. Sports federations, communities and sports clubs also currently have departments dedicated to people with disabilities.

For more information, see the sports inclusion map at: Where to Practice - Paralympic Committee of Portugal.

HOW TO KNOW WHAT SPORTING MODALITY IS BEST SUITABLE FOR YOUR TYPE OF DISABILITY?

You should consult a doctor and or a person from the technical area of sport who will make the assessment of their physical condition and advice on the most appropriate sport or sports modalities, taking into account, in particular, the type and degree of severity, the fact that they have already practiced some sport, competition or activities, and equipment and infrastructure are available, according to their logistical and transport needs.

IS THERE ANY IDEAL AGE TO START SPORTS PRACTICE?

No, no. Physical activity and sport, including recreation, should be practiced by all people, regardless of age, since, in addition to bringing recognized health benefits They are an excellent vehicle for social inclusion.

IS THERE ANY SPECIFIC SUPPORT FOR THE FACT OF HAVING A DISABILITY?

Yes, yes. In the development of their sports practice in clubs, you should always have the expert support of technicians who will follow up.

IS THERE ANY FINANCIAL SUPPORT?

Yes, yes. If you are consideredIf eligible, a person with a disability may be covered by the high-income scheme or be integrated into the Paralympic or Deaflympic Programme and thus benefit from financial support.

WHAT IS NEEDED TO BE CONSIDERATEDThe ELIGIBLE?

Eligibility is made through a classification process, under the responsibility of international organisations in the field of sport for Persons with disabilities. For more information you should go to Paralympic Committee of Portugal or to the federations of the respective modality.

For more information see FAQ – IDiPD:

GOOD PRACTICES

There are several projects that develop the practice of physical activity or sports to Persons with and without disabilities, who may be known at:

  • National Action Plan for the Promotion of Physical Activity (PANAF - Homepage);

  • Instituto Português do Desporto e da Juventude, I.P. (IPDJ);

  • the Portuguese Sports Federation Persons with disabilities (FPDD);

  • Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P., which promotes together with the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth I.P., IPDJ I.P., since 2022, the Sport + Accessible Award. This annual national award aims to reward and disseminate projects that promote the development of sport and physical activity for persons with disabilities, with a view to their social inclusion. To know more information and know the period of application, it is suggested to periodically consult the websites Sports + Accessible Award - IDiPD eIPDJ.

Nas 4 editions have already occurred the winning projects were:

  • “Where there is will, there are no limitations” the Jorge Pina Association;

  • Play Simple’, the Simple Play Association;

  • “Surf Healing - Sea Therapy”, from the Surf Healing Association - Adapted Surfing and Therapies Association;

For more information, consult Rules of the Sport + Accessible Award.

TOURISM AND LAZER

As Persons with disabilities have the right, on an equal basis with others, to participate in cultural life, recreation, leisure and tourism services and, as far as possible, access to monuments and sites of national cultural importance.

WHERE TO CONSULT INFORMATION ON THE ACCESSIBILITY OF THE ACCESSIBLE NATIONAL TOURIST OFFICER?

For detailed clarification of the accessibility conditions adapted to the needs of each person, make a direct contact with the accommodation, catering, leisure and cultural. You should also consult the following tourist information platforms:

  • o the Accessible Tourism Channel visitportugal.com, where you can find information on a accessibility in Portugal, as well as 20 accessible tourist routes in historic centres and the beaches with the “Accessible Beach” award;

  • aTUR4All Portugal, which provides advanced search for the location of tourist resources, with objective information on physical and communicational accessibility characteristics;

  • o channel ALL FOR ALL, where you can learn about national and international best practices of Accessible tourism in “Success Stories”.

Are the tourism initiatives in Portugal adapted to the needs of people with disabilities?

As a rule, tourist resorts have be adapted for people with reduced mobility, with at least an adapted accommodation unit with an adapted sanitary facility. There are also tourist resorts that have swimming pools with accessibility and support products.

You can consult the National Register of Tourist Enterprises, on the website of Turismo de Portugal, I.P., where this information is available.

WHAT ARE THE DAYS WITH ACCESSIBILITY?

In Portugal, accessible beaches are recognised with the award “Accessible Beach, Beach for All”. This award distinguishes, every year, at the beginning of the bathing season, the coastal and river beaches of the continent and islands, which ensure conditions that allow their universal use, regardless of the limitations of age and difficulties of locomotion or mobility.

To find out which beaches are awarded each year, just consult the channel Accessible tourism or the Internet pages of theIDiPD or from APA.

HOW TO KNOW WHAT RESTAURANTS ACCESSIBILITY?

You can obtain this information by consulting the platformTUR4all.

VOLUNTEERED

Volunteering is key to promoting citizenship and social inclusion, contributing to a more equal and equitable society.

As Persons with disabilities who, in the exercise of their citizenship rights, volunteer, take an active and participatory role in society, constituting themselves as agents of change and promoters of support, by putting their talents at the service of the community.

In order to allow the Persons with disabilities exercising this right, organisations promoting volunteering should commit to the development of inclusive volunteering programmes, which take into account the specific needs of persons with disabilities.

HOW Do I VOLUNTARIATE?

  • Contact the organisation directly where you want to volunteer;

  • prob volunteering opportunities in their community;

  • fengaging with well-known people who are aware of more inclusive volunteering programmes;

  • iregister with the local volunteer bank in your municipality.

For more information see: