Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Planning, Coordination and Implementation of National Policies for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Award for Technological Innovation Engineer Jaime Filipe - Opening of applications
The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD), promotes the 2026 edition of the Technological Innovation Award Engineer Jaime Filipe. The Prize is developed in the area of technological innovation, through inventions, projects or technological products, with the assumption of contributing to the improvement of the living conditions of people with disabilities. Submission of applications is available through this form , from 29 May to 31 August 2026. For a correct application, you should consult the updated Rules and Instructions, accessing the Prize page HERE . The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD), and the Musketeers Group, attribute to the winning project the monetary value of €7 000 (seven thousand euros) and €1 500 (one thousand euros and five hundred euros) to each Honorable Mention. The awarded projects receive a piece of art created by CEARTE - Professional Training Centre for Crafts and Heritage. This award is also supported by PlayPlanet and the Agency for Competitiveness and Innovation (IAPMEI). If you are an inventor, innovator and humanist, prepare your application! For questions or suggestions, please contact us at: INR-premioJaimeFilipe@inr.mtsss.pt Access the video on the application procedure for the 2026 edition: Applications for the 2026 edition
View highlight details IDiPD participates in European event on inclusion and democratic participation
On 22 and 29 May, the last sessions of the Final Policy Making Online Event of the European project UNITY – Uniting Networks for Inclusive Democracy and Empowerment were held, bringing together participants from various countries with the aim of promoting the participation of people with intellectual disabilities in public policy-making. The event stood out for its participatory and inclusive approach, involving persons with disabilities, professionals and civil society organisations, and promoting the debate on rights, inclusion, accessibility and participation. IDiPD, IP was present in both sessions, contributing to the reflection and sharing of experiences in the promotion of more inclusive public policies. During the sessions, central themes for the inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities were addressed, namely the rights to parenthood, affective relationships and self-determination, access to health, education and information in accessible formats, as well as the importance of sex education and the prevention of violence. Structural challenges were also discussed, such as the persistence of barriers in communication, the need for more articulation between services and barriers to participation in international contexts. At the same time, the relevance of the training of self-representatives (self-advocates), the sustainability of participation initiatives and the promotion of person-centred approaches that strengthen autonomy, inclusion and the full exercise of rights were highlighted. The initiative thus reinforced the importance of the active participation of persons with disabilities in public policy-making, as well as the need to further invest in more inclusive practices and models.
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ARTE dynamizes 4ª edition of the training event "Digital Accessibility Challenge"
ARTE - Agency for Technological Reform of the State, I.P. will promote the 4ª edition of the Digital Accessibility Challenge, this time particularly addressed to Non-Governmental Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (NGDOs), and we would be delighted to count on your support in disseminating this message to these entities. The Digital Accessibility Challenge is a training programme of 8 working days, aligned with the legislation on digital accessibility in force in Portugal (Decree-Law No º 83/2018 of 19 October 2018 transposing into Portuguese law Directive (EU) 2016/2102 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 26 October 2016 on INR accessibility: E-INR/9833/2026 DATE: 22-05-2026 of websites and mobile applications of public sector bodies). It provides the training content and support necessary to obtain the Fully Compliant Accessibility Statement for your entity's website. This ARTE initiative takes place exclusively between 16 and 25 June 2026, in a remote and asynchronous model. ARTE recalls that for the first time NGOPDs are part of the scope of national legislation as regards the application of accessibility of websites and mobile applications (Article 2º (i) of Decree-Law 83/2018). Please find attached a detailed presentation with information on the concept and model of this training event. Access the pre-registration form HERE or on the accessibility.gov.pt page:
View highlight details The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD, I.P.) was present at the XIV National Meeting of Cities and Villages Resilient, which took place between May 20 and 22, 2026, at the Cultural and Congress Center of Angra do Heroísmo, in the Azores. Promoted in the framework of the international initiative Making Cities Resilient 2030 (MCR2030), this meeting brought together the Municipal Civil Protection Services (MSPC) of the Portuguese network, constituting a privileged space for reflection, sharing experiences and mutual encouragement to adopt measures that contribute to safer, resilient, inclusive and sustainable territories and communities. The programme of the meeting included several national and international technical panels, during which good practices on territorial resilience and security of populations were presented and discussed. The participation of IDiPD, I.P. was part of the line of work that the Institute has been developing in the field of inclusion of persons with disabilities in disaster risk reduction, allowing: - Strengthen the positioning of IDiPD, I.P. as a promoter of public policies for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in this specific area; - Integrate a structured network to promote local disaster risk reduction policies, with an international framework; - Establish contacts with potential partner entities, with a view to implementing the measures provided for in the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2026-2030; - Prepare to participate in the next meeting of the network, which will take place in November 2026, in the Centro region. The presence of IDiPD, I.P. at this meeting reinforces the Institute's commitment to promoting inclusive public policies, ensuring that the rights and needs of persons with disabilities are considered in strategies for prevention, mitigation, preparedness and response to emergencies and disasters.
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IDiPD was present at the High-Level Conference
The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, IP (IDiPD) participated in the High-Level Conference “Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities: Empowerment and Support in a Community for All”, held in Limassol, Cyprus, on 7 May 2026, under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Participation took place in the framework of the Disability Platform, of which the IDiPD has the national representation, allowing to follow the main European developments on the rights of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on supported decision-making, independent living and community-based support services. The Conference provided a relevant space for discussion and sharing of best practices among Member States, European institutions and civil society organisations, reinforcing the importance of the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. One of the highlights of the event was the presentation by the European Commissioner for Equality, Hadja Lahbib, of the European Commission's Communication on strengthening the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities for the next five years. This reinforcement aims to consolidate the rights and protection of European citizens with disabilities, although organisations such as the European Disability Forum have taken the moment to call for more binding legislation and robust guarantees against institutionalisation. Among the priorities are accessibility, independent living, inclusive employment and combating poverty and discrimination, with a focus on the effective implementation of European legislation. The reinforcement of the Strategy includes high-impact initiatives such as the digitalisation of the European Disability Card, the development of assistive technologies and accessible AI, the strengthening of AccessibleEU and the creation of a European Alliance for Independent Living. The conference reinforced as a central message that autonomy and inclusion can only be fully realised by removing barriers and ensuring access to community-based support services.
View highlight details IDiPD participates in European meeting on accessibility in Balestrand
Accessibility, as a requirement for products and services, was at the heart of the European ‘EAA Regulators meeting’ held on 20 and 21 May 2026 at the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand (Norway), with the participation of the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (IDiPD, I.P.). The meeting was organised by the Norwegian Directorate for Digitalisation (Digdir), in liaison with the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP EU), bringing together representatives of public and regulatory authorities from several European states in the areas covered by the European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882). IDiPD was present, participating in a context of sharing experiences and strengthening European cooperation in the application of this legal framework, transposed into national law through Decree-Law No. º 82/2022, on accessibility requirements for products and services. The initiative was a workspace geared towards sharing best practices, assessment tools and methodologies, with an impact on the functions of monitoring, institutional articulation and reporting on the implementation of accessibility legislation. IDiPD's participation in this meeting reinforces its commitment to promoting accessibility and aligning national public policies with European best practices. More information on the implementation of Decree-Law No. º 82/2022 can be found at Accessibility to Products and Services - IDiPD, I.P.
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Lisbon Book Fair 2026 receives distinction of "Accessible Festival"
The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P., and Turismo de Portugal, I.P. decided to award the distinction "Accessible Festival" to the Lisbon Book Fair 2026, promoted by APEL - Portuguese Association of Publishers and Booksellers, under the Accessible Festivals Programme 2026. The Lisbon Book Fair will take place from May 27 to June 14, 2026, at Eduardo VII Park in Lisbon. More information at Accessible Festivals Program - IDiPD, I.P.
View highlight details IDiPD present at the start of the Express’Arte Festival – Artistic Expressions Meeting
The XXVII edition of the Festival Express’Arte – Meeting of Artistic Expressions started on 13 May. The initiative is promoted by APPACDM of Setúbal, with the support of the Municipality of Setúbal. The start of the festival was marked by the show ‘Mostra da Casa’, presented at the Luísa Todi Municipal Forum, which brought together around 120 participants. The presentation reflected a collective path of artistic creation developed over several months, based on respect for individual rhythms and group work, translated into different languages and artistic manifestations. The session was attended by institutional representatives of the Municipality of Setúbal, as well as the President of the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Sónia Esperto. The project is co-financed by the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Learn more about the Festival HERE .
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Applications are now open for the 5.ª Edition of the Sport + Accessible Award!
The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (IDiPD, I.P.) and the Portuguese Institute for Sport and Youth (IPDJ, I.P.) announce that the application period for the Sport + Accessible Award is open and runs from 15 May to 14 June. The winning project will receive a prize of 6000 €, awarded by the two Institutes, and 7 hours of online consulting specialized in volunteer management, worth 350 €, promoted by the partner Pista Mágica. Four honorable mentions will also be awarded, which will receive a prize of 1000€ and 5 hours of online consulting specialized in volunteer management, worth 250€, by Pista Mágica. The awarded projects will also be supported in the overall amount of €8,000, up to a maximum of €2,000 per project, by the Decathlon Foundation, in accordance with its regulatory conditions. For this edition of the Sport + Accessible Award, the following priority areas were considered: Accessibility and supporting products; Sport development; Training and research; Awareness raising and volunteering. Find out more about the Sport + Access Award HERE .
View highlight details IDiPD provides updated edition of the Practical Guide - Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Portugal
The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD, I.P.), provides the updated edition of the Practical Guide - Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Portugal, an essential information, guidance and support tool that brings together, in a single document, practical content on rights, benefits and responses in the different areas of life, proving essential for persons with disabilities, families, technicians and all people who are interested in the subject. In the message accompanying the publication, the Secretary of State for Social Action and Inclusion, Clara Marques Mendes, underlines the importance of access to clear, understandable and accessible information as a fundamental condition for the full exercise of rights and for the effective inclusion of persons with disabilities. Produced in 2019 with the contribution of several public administration entities, within their respective areas of competence, the Guide aims to contribute to the affirmation of citizenship and the promotion of equal opportunities, combating stereotypes and situations of discrimination, through the systematization of information in a single consultation tool, consisting of five parts: General information on cross-cutting rights and tools for their development; rights and guidelines for action at various stages of life; Social protection, social responses and tax benefits; topics related to housing, mobility and social participation; Useful contacts and services. The Practical Guide - Disability Law in Portugal can be consulted HERE .
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For many people who are blind or with low vision, using public transport remains a daily challenge. To promote greater autonomy, comfort and safety, an accessible route was created at Gare do Oriente, connecting the Oriente metro station to the quays of the Carris Metropolitana. This route has been developed to make travel simpler, more intuitive and more independent. And everyone is invited to try ‑lo! Accompanied visits Persons who are blind or with low vision can participate in guided tours by Guidance and Mobility Technicians of the partner associations. Registrations available HERE . Autonomous operation If you prefer to do it on your own, you can use: - Accessible Route Support Guide e - High Contrast Plant . These features are specially designed to enable autonomous and safe navigation. Your opinion is essential. Help us improve this journey and define even more effective accessibility solutions in the future. Leave your comments: WayFinding System Assessment Form Or send an e‑mail to: transportes@tmlmobilidade.pt
View highlight details Information | Restructuring of the National Institute for Rehabilitation for the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
In the context of the reform of the State and the modernisation of the Public Administration, Decree-Law No. º 60/2026, of 24 February, restructures the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I. P. (INR) and establishes the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD) , which also integrates the competences of the Mission Structure for Accessibility Promotion (EMPA). This amendment aims to strengthen the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, ensuring more effective action and better articulation with other public administration services, through an integrated approach in the areas of inclusion, accessibility and civic participation. We would also inform you that all references to the INR and the EMPA, contained in legal and regulatory acts, contracts and other normative instruments, are deemed to be made to the IDiPD. The IDiPD thus becomes the reference entity for all matters previously attributed to EMPA. The Decree-Law can be found here: https://diariodarepublica.pt/dr/detalhe/decreto-lei/60-2026-1058701616 We continue to make inclusion happen together!
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