News Details

The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD), promoted the II Youth Meeting “Be Cool, Be Inclusive!”, bringing together children, young people, institutional representatives and civil society organisations, with the aim of enhancing the active participation of persons with disabilities in building inclusive policies and practices.

The initiative took place at the Lands of Larus School Group, in the municipality of Seixal, on May 25, with the presence of Clara Marques Mendes, Secretary of State for Social Action and Inclusion.

The opening session highlighted the importance of the school as a fundamental space for inclusion, underlining the role of educational institutions in promoting equal opportunities and building autonomous pathways for all students.

The institutional interventions reinforced the need for integrated public policies, with a particular focus on the continuity of responses after compulsory schooling, the promotion of independent living and the strengthening of the link between education, social action and the labour market.

The commitment of public authorities to improving support responses, including the extension of personal assistance and the operationalisation of inclusive education measures, was also highlighted.

The programme included several round tables that put children and young people at the centre of the reflection.

At the table dedicated to inclusion in school, participants shared experiences on accessibility, physical and social barriers; bullying and the importance of resources as Portuguese Sign Language interpreters. Concrete needs have been identified, such as improving accessibility conditions (ramps, lifts) and reinforcing specialised support.

On the table on study and work, life paths that highlight challenges and achievements in access to training and employment were presented. The testimonies highlighted the importance of real opportunities, adequate monitoring and appreciation of individual capacities as essential conditions for effective inclusion.

Already at the table on inclusive projects and initiatives, innovative experiences were shared in the areas of communication, education and civic participation, highlighting the active contribution of persons with disabilities to the transformation of society.

The II Meeting highlighted that significant challenges persist, particularly in terms of accessibility, the adequacy of educational responses and the transition to adulthood. Still, there was consensus that evolution depends on the active participation of persons with disabilities themselves and on collaboration between all actors in society.

The conclusions reinforced the importance of creating more spaces for listening and dialogue, ensuring that the voices of children and young people effectively contribute to shaping public policies and building a more inclusive society.

At the closure, it was stressed that inclusion does not depend exclusively on political decisions, but on a collective commitment involving institutions, professionals, families and the wider community.

The II Youth Meeting “Being Cool, Being Inclusion!” was thus affirmed as a relevant moment of active citizenship, reinforcing the role of children and young people as agents of change in promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.

Access the photographic record HERE