News Details

The National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P. (INR, I.P.), as part of the National Strategy for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (ENIPD 2021-2025), continues to hold a set of forums at national level to promote discussion on non-institutionalisation strategies and measures. In 2025, the theme of the forums focuses on Independent Living and the role that personal assistance plays in the working life of persons with disabilities, seeking to involve and gather the perspectives of recipients of personal assistance, municipalities, employers, schools and universities.

The 2nd Forum "Independent Life: Personal Assistance in Active Life - Labour Context” took place on 8 July, at 2.30 p.m., in Beja, in the auditorium of CIMBAL - Intermunicipal Community of Baixo Alentejo. Focusing on the work context, this initiative sought to stimulate dialogue and the sharing of experiences and perspectives between the different actors in the dynamics of the work context, involving the municipality of Beja, and the local NGOPD, the Cerebral Palsy Center of Beja (CPC Beja).

The event was opened by Fernanda Sousa, Head of Division of the Technical Support Office of the INR, I.P. The panel of speakers was attended by Anita Tinoco - Head of Division of the Beja District Archive, Ana Batista - President of the Cerebral Palsy Center of Beja, António Quadros - Recipient of personal assistance from CPC Beja and Ana Carvalho - Personal Assistant of CPC Beja. She also had the special participation of Maria Inácia Campaniço who, due to her relevant experience as coordinator of the CAVI of APPACDM in Évora and also recipient of personal assistance in the work context, it was considered appropriate to invite her at the moment to share her testimony.

This forum focused on the role of the Support Model for Independent Living as an enabler of autonomy in the work context and on the opportunities and advantages that social assistance can provide to persons with disabilities in accessing and implementing the fundamental right to work, which is identified as a factor promoting greater inclusion in society.

From the perspective of the employer, it is understood that there should be a natural willingness to accommodate workers receiving personal assistance, as well as other persons with disabilities who do not benefit from this support. As citizens with full rights, the focus should be on their potential and the strengthening of their autonomy and not on their disabilities, stressing that they consider the worker receiving personal assistance an autonomous and productive person. The Beja District Archive understands it as an immense benefit to be able to count on the collaboration of a person receiving personal assistance in their work context, pointing out that the integration of the personal assistant in the service was seen naturally, and today they consider her a member of the team. They consider that they are contributing to the paradigm shift in society, and their contribution to strengthening citizenship, participation and ensuring access to basic labour law is very important for the institution.

From the perspective of personal assistants and recipients of personal assistance in the work context, there is consensus that we are facing a new paradigm of life for people with disabilities, noting the positive impact of personal assistance in improving living conditions, a more active and free life, less dependence on families. People with disabilities are citizens and citizens with full potential for inclusion in the labour market, and personal assistance provides the necessary contribution to those who need it, in order to achieve their goals and achieve their dreams. The Support Model for Independent Living is perceived as a favorable indicator on the path to building a more inclusive and developed society, highlighting as added value of the model the reinforcement of self-esteem, autonomy and self-determination and more active participation in society.

The sharing of experiences and testimonies has led to the reflection that inclusion is built with the involvement of all, persons with disabilities, institutions, social partners and civil society in general, on the path to change mindsets, and for the necessary recognition of the capacities and potential of persons with disabilities in the work context, for a fuller and more effective inclusion.

This forum also discussed the theme of assistive technologies, namely Artificial Intelligence, as a complementary mechanism for Independent Living. It was a consensus opinion that although Artificial Intelligence can be an element that enhances autonomy in the accomplishment of some tasks, it can never replace the human relationship and its dynamics, such as personal valorization, team spirit and empathy, also built and essential in work contexts.

The forum was closed by Sónia Esperto – President of the National Institute for Rehabilitation, IP.

The next forum will be on the theme "Independent Life: Personal Assistance in Active Life – Formal Education” and will take place on 9 September, in face-to-face format, involving the municipality of Santo Tirso.