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For almost five decades, the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (IDiPD) has contributed to a more inclusive society by promoting equal opportunities, accessibility and full participation of persons with disabilities in all areas of life.

Among the most emblematic initiatives, the Competition stands out School Alert!, which is preparing for its 23rd ª edition. Since the 2003/2004 school year, it has mobilised tens of thousands of students and thousands of teachers, challenging reflection, identifying barriers to the participation of persons with disabilities and encouraging the presentation of solutions that promote inclusion and citizenship. The 2024 recast allowed to broaden the participation of children and young people, from early childhood education to upper secondary education, strengthening the educational dimension and the impact on accessibility awareness.

Because learning to recognize obstacles and to seek solutions is also learning to participate, to respect difference and to build a more inclusive society.

The right to leisure, culture and participation in social life is a right for everyone, and the promotion of accessibility also extends to bathing areas through the programme. Accessible Beach – Beach for All!, developed in partnership with Turismo de Portugal and the Portuguese Environment Agency. This initiative seeks to ensure that all people can enjoy the beaches with autonomy, safety and dignity, from access to the sands to the use of the equipment and services available. The commitment to this area is also recognized through the Beach + Accessible Award, which distinguishes good practices and innovative projects developed by municipalities and accessible beach management bodies.

Accessibility is also about participating in culture. The work carried out within the framework of the Accessible Festivals, in partnership with Turismo de Portugal, and the Seal - Accessible and Inclusive Cultural Spaces (SECAI) It has helped to encourage the creation of conditions for everyone to enjoy cultural life to the full, recognising that culture is only truly inclusive when no one is left out.

The Institute's commitment is also reflected in the set of prizes promoted, which value education, research, technological innovation, accessibility and social participation. They stand out the Social Sciences and Humanities Award for Inclusion, which aims to recognise and value academic and scientific work that promotes the inclusion of persons with disabilities; o Award for Technological Innovation Engineer Jaime Filipedistinguishing innovative technological inventions, projects or products that contribute to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities; o Poster Award 3 December - International Day of Persons with Disabilities, which distinguishes graphic work that raises awareness and mobilises public opinion for the recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities; and Sports + Accessible Award, promoted in partnership with the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth, which distinguishes projects that promote the development of sport and physical activity for people with disabilities, with a view to their social inclusion.

During these 49 years, the Institute's journey continues to demonstrate that building a fairer and more inclusive society implies acting in various areas of life, from school to leisure, from culture to sport, from research to innovation, always with the aim of ensuring that all people can participate fully in equal rights and opportunities.

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