National Institute for Rehabilitation

The National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P. (INR, I.P.) attended the 8th session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, organised by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, which took place from 2 to 6 June 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland. The INR, I.P., is part of Working Group 7 (GT7) – Inclusive Governance for Risk Management, of the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, and with its presence in the Global Platform, it reinforces its commitment to the development of work on this topic, in compliance with the provisions of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. With the central theme “Every day counts: acting today for resilience’, the session developed on three main axes: managing risks and uncertainties in a rapidly changing global climate and context; gender equality, accessibility and inclusion; Accelerating action for a collective sustainable future. Throughout the various moments of the event, the central objective was to assess progress in the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and to empower authorities and stakeholders to fully implement it by 2030. Portugal was represented in person by the National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC), the Permanent Mission of Portugal to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, Camões - Institute for Cooperation and Language, I.P., the INR, I.P., and members of the Municipal Chambers of Amadora and Matosinhos. On behalf of the INR, I.P., the technician Luís Canaria attended several sessions, with emphasis on those focused on the inclusion of people with disabilities in disaster risk reduction. It was possible to participate in learning laboratories, collect good practices in matters of emergency planning, as well as adapted training of self-protection measures, already implemented by other countries. The Global Platform produced the Geneva Declaration for Disaster Risk Reduction, which aims to serve as a guide and call for the mobilisation of governments and stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of the Sendai Framework for the remaining five years, until 2030. Watch the available sessions: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBDwPnveHho_YuebJDIyKaAIlP5q1p_t_ See the Geneva Declaration for Disaster Risk Reduction: https://globalplatform.undrr.org/news/geneva-call-disaster-risk-reduction-co-chairs-summary-global-platform For more information see: https://globalplatform.undrr.org/

The Instituto Nacional para a Reabilitação, I.P. (National Institute for Rehabilitation), the Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente, I.P. (Portuguese Environment Agency) and Turismo de Portugal, I.P. (Tourism of Portugal), in partnership with the Municipality of Mafra, will hold the ceremony to fly the flag of the ‘Accessible Beach, Beach for All!’ Programme on the beach that won the 2024 edition of the ‘Praia + Accessible’ Award. The session will take place on the day 18 June at 11 a.m. at Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach , no Municipality of Mafra , winner of the Coastal Beach Award. This session symbolically marks the commitment of the municipalities and entities involved with the promotion of bathing accessibility and inclusion, publicly recognizing the effort made to ensure that all people, regardless of their condition, can enjoy the beaches with equity, comfort, autonomy and dignity. The ceremony will be attended by the president of the host municipality, Hugo Moreira Luís, of the Municipality of Mafra, the President of the Board of Directors of the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P., Sónia Esperto, representatives of the company IACESS, official sponsor of the “Praia + Accessible” Award, as well as local entities involved in promoting bathing accessibility. Get to know the program of the ceremony below: Programme | 18 June – Ribeira d’Ilhas Beach, Mafra 11 a.m. Opening session and presentation of the objectives of the ‘Accessible Beach, Beach for All!’ programme: President of the Board of Directors of the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P., Sónia Esperto 11.15 a.m. Award of the Beach + Accessible Award 2024, Coastal Beach category Hugo Moreira Luís, Municipality of Mafra Helena Vitorino, Manuel Ribeiro and Thaís Terranova, representing the company IACESS, sponsor of the Award 11.30 a.m. Official raising of the flag ‘Accessible Beach, Beach for All!’ More information about this program see here .

The National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P., the Portuguese Environment Agency, I.P. and Turismo de Portugal, I.P., in partnership with the Municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros, will hold the ceremony to fly the flag of the ‘Accessible Beach, Beach for All!’ Programme on the beach that won the 2024 edition of the ‘Praia + Accessible’ Award. The session will take place on the day 16 June, at 2.30 p.m., in Praia da Ribeira (Albufeira do Azibo) No Municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros , winner of the Prize in the category of Inner Beach. This session symbolically marks the commitment of the municipalities and entities involved with the promotion of bathing accessibility and inclusion, publicly recognizing the effort made to ensure that all people, regardless of their condition, can enjoy the beaches with equity, comfort, autonomy and dignity. The ceremony will be attended by the president of the host municipality, Benjamin Rodrigues, the Municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros, the President of the Board of Directors of the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P., Sónia Esperto, representatives of the company IACESS, official sponsor of the “Praia + Accessible” Award, as well as local entities involved in promoting bathing accessibility. Get to know the program of the ceremony below: Programme | 16 June – Ribeira Beach (Azibo), Macedo de Cavaleiros 2.30 p.m. Opening session and presentation of the objectives of the ‘Accessible Beach, Beach for All!’ programme: President of the Board of Directors of the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P., Sónia Esperto 2.45 p.m. Award of the “Praia + Acessível” Award 2024, category of Inner Beach: Benjamin Rodrigues, Mayor of Macedo de Cavaleiros Manuel Ribeiro and Rita Ribeiro, representing the company IACESS, sponsor of the Award 3 p.m. Official raising of the flag ‘Accessible Beach, Beach for All!’ More information about this program see here .

On 21 May, the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P. (INR) held the session ‘Dialogues on Neuroscience and Autism’, an initiative that brought together participants in person and remotely to reflect on scientific advances in the field of autism, based on clear and accessible communication of technical and scientific knowledge. The session was attended by Professor Miguel Castelo-Branco, researcher at the University of Coimbra and international reference in the area of neurosciences. With a clear, engaging and inclusive approach, Miguel Castelo-Branco shared results of scientific research on neurological mechanisms associated with autism and addressed the importance of respecting and understanding neurodiversity as a legitimate expression of the human condition. At the opening, the Vice-President of the INR, Marina Van Zeller, reinforced the Institute's commitment to promoting scientific literacy and the social inclusion of people with disabilities, highlighting that "the dissemination of qualified and socially transformative information is essential for the construction of a more conscious, inclusive and respectful society of human diversity". Moderated by Sónia Esperto, President of the INR, the conversation explored topics such as the role of routines in the autistic brain, the implications of hyperfocus, the relevance of adapted sensory environments, and the potential of technologies – such as: neurofeedback and digital games – in the development of social and emotional skills. This event affirmed itself as another step in the commitment of the INR, I.P., to bring scientific knowledge closer to civil society, contributing to a culture of inclusion based on respect for differences and valuing the potential of all people. If you didn't have the opportunity to attend, attend this event. HERE .

The “Show of Unknown Authors” is a social responsibility initiative of the IGAC Inspectorate-General for Cultural Activities. This project assumes the configuration of a competition and has as main objective to promote talents This fifth edition is aimed at people with disabilities, in partnership with the INR (National Institute for Rehabilitation). This competition includes 5 categories: literature, visual and visual arts, music, performing arts, audiovisual and multimedia. For more information: unknown authors@igac.pt or at www.autoresdesconhecidos.pt

The National Institute for Rehabilitation (INR) launches an application ( App ) a pioneer that contributes to improving the quality of life of people, including people with disabilities. A A pp Accessibility 360 It is a tool that will be constantly evolving and growing The aim is to facilitate access to public services, taking into account the specific mobility needs of each individual. Available for download in the Google Play and in Apple Store , this application provides detailed information to ensure that everyone can access public services in a simple and unhindered way. Its implementation is progressive Profiles for visually impaired people and people with restricted mobility are already available, where you will be able to access: navigation to the desired service, identifying the conditions of accessibility to the building; Navigation in the building, guiding the most accessible route; Location and availability of parking spaces for persons with restricted mobility. This App is part of the +Access Platform, an investment developed by the INR as part of the financing of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. More than just a technology tool, this App it is an essential step in national inclusion goals, at the service of each person, thus establishing a commitment to the future. Learn more about the App Accessibility 360 HERE .