Promoting the Inclusion of Children and Young People with Neurological Disabilities

The project focuses on neurological disabilities which, among the various disabilities identified in the 2010 Census, is one of the least supported and most in need of in-depth information, requiring, in turn, greater investment and articulation for the inclusion of its bearers.

The intervention contributes to improving the quality of life of people with neurological disabilities, specifically children and young people. Through a national awareness-raising campaign targeted to the population in general and their families, the communities where they live, and the educational community, this issue will be brought into the public agenda: prejudice, stigma and social distancing will be reduced, and solutions, behaviours and mechanisms that can be created and encouraged for true inclusion will be clarified.

OBJECTIVES

Overall: improve the quality of life of people with neurological disabilities.

Specific: promote the integration and inclusion of children and young people with neurological disabilities.

BENEFICIARIES 

Direct:

• 440 children and young people with neurological disabilities from Santiago Island and their families, beneficiaries of the following institutions: Colmeia, Acarinhar, Diferentes But Not Indifferentes, Down do Amor and Federation of Disabled People’s Associations (FECAD);
• 80 householders/informal carers of these children and young people, mostly women, through the socio-economic integration support;
• 4 reference associations in this sector, benefiting from third-party support;
• The Care and Rehabilitation Centre for disabled people;
• 12 profissionais de saúde da área da fisioterapia;
• 12 health professionals in the physiotherapy field; 30 ministries and municipalities’ technicians;
• families, residential communities, school community and general population

Indirect:

• All children, young people, and adults with neurological disabilities.

ACTIVITIES

Fostering an enabling environment for the inclusion of children and youth people with neurological disabilities.

• National Awareness Campaign;
• Activities targeted to families and communities of residence;
• Activity with the school community.

Increasing public policy coherence for inclusion and improved care.

• Setting up a follow-up committee with the various stakeholders;
• Training for municipal technicians.

Strengthening the skills of area associations and caregivers and improving the care provided.

• Specific complementary training for physical therapists and other support staff;
• Financial support to third parties for strengthening care and research activities;
• Reinforcement of the Care and Rehabilitation Centre.

Improving and promoting the socioeconomic integration of families.

• Preparation of Individual Development Plans for the caregivers (mothers/family);
• Support for the creation of AGR/small businesses;
• Capacity building and referral to employment.

NEWS