News Details

On 15 April, the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P. (INR, I.P.) held an information session on the ‘Inclusion of Students with Disabilities in Higher Education’.

The event, promoted by the INR Library, was attended by Sofia Freire, Researcher at the University of Lisbon, Eugenia Núñez-Nogueroles, Researcher at the University of Extremadura, Alice Ribeiro, from the Support Center for Inclusion University of Porto, and Célia Sousa, Coordinator of the Digital Inclusion Resource Center, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, who shared experiences and good practices of inclusion in higher education institutions.

The session began with the intervention of the Vice-President of the Direct Council of the INR, I.P., Marina Van Zeller, who highlighted the importance of the meeting: "This is a crucial moment for us to listen to experts and reflect on the challenges we still need to overcome. Inclusion is a human right and we must ensure that no student is left behind."

Helena Alexandre, Director of Services of the Training, Research and Development Unit, stressed the relevance of the topic, stressing that the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities states that all persons, with or without disabilities, should have equal opportunities in access to higher education: It is essential that all students have the same conditions of access to education, regardless of their condition.

The testimonies were enriching and motivated discussions about how universities can adapt their curricula and environments to better serve all students.

The closing of this session was held by the President of the Board of Directors of the INR, Sónia Esperto, who said on the occasion: ‘Inclusion takes place in the simplicity of the relationship, social interaction, the promotion of respect for each other and compliance with the rights that are recognised.’

If you did not have the opportunity to attend this session, watch the available video HERE