Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P.
Planning, Coordination and Implementation of National Policies for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
MONTHLY REPORT MAVI – JULY 2026
The monthly activity of the Independent Living Support Centres (CAVI), which are part of the Independent Living Support Model (MAVI), is reported to the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P., based on the completion of the monitoring grids by each of the institutions. According to these monitorings, in July 2026, in the 35 CAVI in operation, 1172 people financed by the ISS, I.P. were supported. From the start of the project until 31 July 2026, a total of 7,200,910 (seven million, two hundred thousand, nine hundred and ten) hours were provided, of which 3,760,306 (three million, seven hundred and sixty thousand, three hundred and six) hours under the ISS accumulated to 3,440,604 (three million, four hundred and forty thousand, six hundred and four) hours of personal assistance provided under the ESF until 30 September 2023. All in all, July 2026 saw a decrease in the number of people supported in personal assistance compared to the previous month. There has been an increase in the number of hours of support provided, although the number of serving personal assistants has decreased. An increase in the number of PEFs suspended, a decrease in completed PEFs and new concluded PEFs was observed. As of 1 March 2024, the Cooperation Agreements between CAVI and ISS, I.P. began to be concluded, which allowed personal assistance to begin to be provided in accordance with the provisions of Ministerial Implementing Order No º 415/2023 of 7 December 2023. By 1 January 2025, all 35 CAVI had signed the Cooperation Agreement with the ISS, I.P..
View highlight details Poster Prize 3 December 2026: Applications open until 2 October
The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. promotes another edition of the 3 December Poster Prize, an initiative that aims to distinguish graphic work that, through a poster, contributes to raise awareness and mobilize public opinion for the recognition of the rights of persons with disabilities. Associated with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated annually on 3 December, the Prize aims to value creativity as an awareness-raising tool for the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities and for equal opportunities and non-discrimination. Applications Applications run until 2 October and are open to: natural persons over 18 years of age; Legal persons, based in Portugal. The works can be submitted in co-authorship, and each person (individual or collective) can submit up to three works. The work submitted should address the theme “3 December – International Day of Persons with Disabilities” and be assessed taking into account criteria such as creativity, artistic merit and suitability for the theme. The other requirements relating to the work and the submission of applications are available in the respective Prize Rules . Awards The winning work will be distinguished with a prize of 1 500 euros, awarded by the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P., and with a voucher of 1 500 euros, offered by the El Corte Inglés . The winner, as well as the posters distinguished with Honorable Mention, will also receive a piece of art offered by the CENCAL – Vocational Training Centre for the Ceramic Industry. Jury The evaluation of the work will be carried out by a jury composed of: Pedro Afonso, president of the jury and representative of the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P.; Helena Vaz da Silva, representative of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, as an entity for artistic, cultural and educational purposes; Alice Ignacio, designer and representative of the National Confederation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities; Ricardo Galvão, cartoonist and illustrator, personality linked to design, creativity and image; Joana Raminhos da Silveira, illustrator, author and researcher in the area of Multimedia in Education, personality linked to design, creativity and image; Daniela Gomes, expert invited by the jury linked to design, creativity and image. How can you apply? Applications must be submitted by filling in the Application form Consult the Poster Prize Regulation 3 December for information on the requirements to be met. For further information, please contact INR-uifd@inr.mtsss.pt The December 3rd Poster Award has the support of the El Corte Inglés and CENCAL – Vocational Training Centre for the Ceramic Industry . Documents: Poster Prize Regulation 3 December Jury Constitution - Poster Prize 3 December 2026 Evaluation Criteria Weightings - Poster Prize 3 December 2026 Fequent Questions - Poster Prize 3 December 2026
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Beach + Accessible Award 2026 – application period
The application period is open until September 30th. Beach + Accessible Award 2026 . This award distinguishes, in each bathing season, the bathing areas awarded by the Programme. Beach Accessible, Beach for All! whose applications show that they have provided people with restricted mobility with better conditions of accessibility and quality of services provided for a better enjoyment of these leisure spaces. In this context, a prize will be awarded to the best-rated beach in each of the following typologies: coastal or transitional beach Inner beach This bathing season saw a notable take-up of this programme, which distinguished 239 bathing areas. This initiative aims to stimulate the implementation of good practices that constitute clear added value in terms of innovation, coverage and quality of the accessibility conditions and support available, as well as a consistent and effective communication to the public of the offer provided. The award, which annually awards equipment to support the bath, is sponsored by the company IACESS . For more information, and access to the rules and the application form for the Prize, please consult the promoters' websites: IDiPD , APA e TP
View highlight details Inclusion Desk Network: Meetings for Implementation with Municipalities of Caminha, Sintra and Cascais
The Institute recently held working meetings with the municipalities of Caminha, Sintra and Cascais, with the aim of promoting the implementation of Inclusion Desks in these territories. These meetings allowed to present the model of operation of this proximity response, reinforcing the importance of access to information, referral and support for persons with disabilities and their families, through structures closer to citizens. In the course of the meetings, the Espaço Família project was also presented, a measure integrated into the Action Plan of the Single Strategy for the Rights of Children and Youth 2025-2030 , conceived as a pilot project that could be developed in the Municipal Inclusion Desks that express interest in its implementation. The initiative was welcomed by the participating municipalities, who expressed interest in deepening knowledge about the project and analysing its implementation at local level, recognising the potential of this response to strengthen support for families and promote a more integrated approach to the needs of children and young people.
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49 years promoting the rights of persons with disabilities: Network of Inclusion Desks - information, guidance and proximity to the service of persons with disabilities
As part of its mission to promote and defend the rights of persons with disabilities, the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD) has been strengthening the importance of a community-based, accessible and needs-based public response. It is in this context that the Inclusion Desks Network is inserted, a specialized service for people with disabilities and their families, which ensures information, guidance and referral on rights, support measures, resources, services and available responses. It seeks to provide qualified and close care, helping each person to know their rights, identify existing resources and find the appropriate routes to access the answers they need. The construction of a national reference network in the provision of inclusive public services requires a permanent commitment to improving the quality of care. It also requires inter-entity cooperation, knowledge sharing and the ability to keep up with the evolving needs of persons with disabilities and their families. In marking the 49th º anniversary, the Institute reaffirms its commitment to the development of increasingly accessible, inclusive and person-centred public services. Find out more about the Inclusion Desk, HERE . #49tomake # happenfortherightsofdisabledpeople
View highlight details 49 years promoting the rights of persons with disabilities: Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2026-2030 (EDPD 2026-2030)
In the year in which it marks 49 years of progress, the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD) takes on a new work cycle with the implementation of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2026-2030 (EDPD 2026-2030). Approved by Council of Ministers Resolution No. º 64-A/2026 of 31 March, the Strategy establishes an intervention framework to ensure that persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights, live autonomously and participate actively in social, economic, political and cultural life, under equal opportunities and with respect for diversity and human dignity. The EDPD 2026-2030 is structured in 5 key areas and a cross-cutting axis – Territories, Citizenship, Education, Employment and Training, Health and the Transversal Axis (Governance, Data and Social Participation) – and is implemented through action plans with measures to be implemented over the next five years (2026-2030). As the coordinating entity of the Strategy, IDiPD assumes the responsibility of promoting the articulation between the different governmental areas, monitoring the implementation of the measures, implementing the monitoring system and coordinating the evaluation processes of the Strategy: Coordinate: articulation between governmental areas Articular: working together with the responsible entities Monitor: monitor the implementation of the measures Evaluate: monitor the evolution of the Strategy Implementation is already underway. In 2026, initiatives are under development that cover, among others, the promotion of the participation of persons with disabilities in civil protection, the creation of training frameworks for a more inclusive Public Administration, the promotion of the Inclusive CATL, the strengthening of employment mechanisms and the development of an information system in partnership with the Institute of Informatics, I.P.. More information at: Council of Ministers Resolution No º 64-A/2026 of 31 March approving the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2026-2030; Council of Ministers Resolution No º 64-B/2026 of 31 March approving the Action Plans of the Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2026-2030. #49tomake # happenfortherightsofdisabledpeople
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European Commission assesses implementation of EU rules on equality and non-discrimination
The European Commission published on 13 July 2026 the report on the implementation of the Racial Equality Directive (2000/43/EC) and the Employment Equality Directive (2000/78/EC) establishing a general framework for equal treatment in employment and occupation, including on grounds of disability. The Report acknowledges the progress made in strengthening the European legal framework, but warns of persistent challenges in the effective implementation of the right to equality, including underreporting of discrimination, difficulties in accessing justice and the need to ensure effective protection mechanisms and sanctions. One of the figures highlighted by the Commission shows that only 5-11% of victims of discrimination file a formal complaint, highlighting the importance of enhancing knowledge of rights and access to protection mechanisms. In the area of disability, the Report highlights recent developments in the case-law of the Court of Justice of the European Union, including on discrimination by association and disability-related adaptations. The Commission also pays particular attention to the new challenges associated with artificial intelligence, warning of the risk of algorithmic discrimination in areas such as recruitment, access to employment and service provision. The Report therefore underlines the need to further strengthen equality bodies, data collection and use, access to justice and the capacity to prevent and combat structural and emerging forms of discrimination. The Report can be consulted. HERE .
View highlight details 49 years promoting the rights of persons with disabilities: inclusiveness, accessibility and participation of all
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 Filipe distinguishing 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. # 49anosamakeoccur # rightspeoplewithdisabilities
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Over its 49 years, the current Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD) has developed its mission in close collaboration with the Non-Governmental Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (NGDOs) They recognise key partners in building a more inclusive and accessible society. NGOPDs play a key role in the participation of persons with disabilities, working with communities on a daily basis, contributing to the identification of needs, by promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and their families. With a national, regional or local scope, NGOPDs ensure a close connection to the concrete realities of the people they represent. The Institute has sought to strengthen cooperation with this associative movement, recognising its essential role in promoting the human rights and citizenship of persons with disabilities. In addition to Operating Support of national organizations, we have developed the Project Finance Programme laying down the conditions for accessing, allocating and implementing the financial support provided by the Institute to the NGOPDs. Projects promoting the rights of persons with disabilities and contributing to their participation in society are supported, in line with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. More than a financial instrument, this support is a concrete expression of a public policy built in partnership. Supporting the intervention capacity of NGOsPD enables the development of initiatives close to people, and their life contexts, giving space to innovation, participation and the search for answers to the challenges that persist. Each supported project represents an opportunity to turn ideas into responses, identify new solutions and create the conditions for more people to exercise their rights and participate fully in society. On this 49th º anniversary, IDiPD reinforces the importance of these strategic partnerships that have been essential to promote best practices, share knowledge, develop projects and raise society's awareness of a culture of rights and full participation of all people. The present also develops in partnership! # 49tomake # happenrightsofpeoplewithdisabilities
View highlight details The National Secretariat for Rehabilitation (SNR) , provided for in paragraph 2 of Base VI of Law No º 6/71 of 28 February 1971, which laid the foundations for the rehabilitation and social integration of persons with disabilities, was established, under the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, on 20 August 1977 by the Decree-Law No º 346/77 . Since its inception, its mission has been to -if as instrument of the state for the implementation of a national policy for the empowerment, rehabilitation and social integration of persons with disabilities, promoting and coordinating interventions in the fields of health, education, vocational training, employment and social inclusion , aligned co the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic . Forty-nine years later, the reality of people with disabilities, their families, representative organisations and Portuguese society itself is profoundly different from what existed in 1977. The progress achieved has been significant and is the result of collective engagement. who contributed for the construction of a more equitable e next . In this process, it is important to recognize and thank the role played by workers and leaders who have passed for this public service, in its different organic structures , since the SNR , from the National Secretariat for the Rehabilitation and Integration of Persons with Disabilities and the National Institute for Rehabilitation, I.P., to the current Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. ( IDiPD ) . They are also worth highlighting. a persons with disabilities themselves, as their families and the Representative Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (ONGPD) , real protagonists of the transformations achieved. Developments in rights, public policies and support measures allowed consolidate important achievements and create conditions for the affirmation of key instruments at national and international level, highlighting -se Strategies (programmatic instruments of public policy) and Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities , of the United Nations (UN). Today, on the day we celebrate the birthday from IDiPD Let's look at our history, with the meaning placed in cooperation and No commitment that every day make us give the best to comply with mission. The current mission of the Institute , to promote and implement national and international public policies aimed at realising the rights of persons with disabilities, their families and representative organisations; , This is a guarantee of continuity of this commitment. In the present and in the future, with engagement, participation and responsibility, the IDiPD continues on the path of promoting the rights, inclusion and full citizenship of persons with disabilities. Thank you very much for your contribution! # 49tomake # happenrightsofpeoplewithdisabilities
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IDiPD, I.P. promotes awareness-raising action “Author Representation and Self Advocacy in Promoting the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”
The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD, I.P.) promotes the awareness-raising action “ Self-representation and Self Advocacy the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities », which will take place on September 15th and 17th. Integrated in the thematic area Promotion of Rights, the action has a total duration of 4 hours and will take place online , through the platform Teams between 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. on the two days of training. The initiative aims to promote reflection around the concepts of self-representation and self advocacy Recognising the importance of the participation of persons with disabilities in the promotion of their rights and knowledge of instruments of national and international law relevant to the regulation of these rights. Among the contents to be addressed are the historical framework of national and international self-representation movements and their implications in the current conjuncture, as well as the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, including the rights and duties enshrined therein. The action targets persons with disabilities and their families, as well as leaders and practitioners of Non-Governmental Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (NGDOs). The training will be promoted by Rodrigo Santos, jurist , Head of Public Administration and President of the National Directorate of ACAPO - Associação dos Blind and Amblíopes de Portugal. Participation is free of charge and limited to a maximum of 20 participants. Registrations are now open and can be made through the registration form , no website of IDiPD, I.P . For more information about this or other training activities, please contact us: INR-uifd@inr.mtsss.pt
View highlight details Legal regime strengthens rights in higher education and amends Decree-Law No. º 163/2006 on accessibility in buildings
Law No. º 44/2026 of 10 August was published, approving the new legal regime for students with specific educational needs in higher education, contributing to the promotion of their rights, equity, accessibility and academic inclusion. The Law also amends Decree-Law No º 163/2006 of 8 August 2006, which approves the rules on accessibility to buildings and establishments receiving public, public and residential buildings, as amended by Decree-Laws No º 136/2014 of 9 September 2014, No º 125/2017 of 4 October 2017, No º 95/2019 of 18 July 2019 and No º 10/2024 of 8 January 2024. Among the main measures of Law No. º 44/2026 of 10 August, the following stand out: Student status with specific educational needs; Strengthening the conditions for mobility, physical, digital and communication accessibility in higher education institutions; Appropriateness of entry conditions, assessment methods and frequency schemes; Priority in access to higher education; Priority in access to student accommodation; Financial mechanism to support inclusion; Special status in the award of scholarships; Reinforcement of scholarships and research grants for students with disabilities; Specialized support for students with specific educational needs. The Act is an important contribution to more equitable, accessible and inclusive higher education, strengthening the rights of pupils with disabilities and students in need of specific measures to support their academic path. Access in full to Law No. º 44/2026, of 10 August, HERE .
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MONTHLY REPORT MAVI – JUNE 2026
The monthly activity of the Independent Living Support Centres (CAVI), which are part of the Independent Living Support Model (MAVI), is reported to the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P., based on the completion of the monitoring grids by each of the institutions. According to these monitorings, in June 2026, in the 35 CAVI in operation, 1186 people financed by the ISS, I.P. were supported. From the start of the project until 30 June 2026, a total of 7,088,890 (seven million, eighty-eight thousand, eight hundred and ninety) hours were provided, of which 3,648,286 (three million, six hundred and forty-eight thousand, two hundred and eighty-six) hours under the ISS accumulated to 3,440,604 (three million, four hundred and forty thousand, six hundred and four) hours of personal assistance provided under the ESF until 30 September 2023. All in all, June 2026 saw a decrease in the number of people supported in personal assistance compared to the previous month. There has been a decrease in the number of hours of support provided, although the number of serving personal assistants has increased. An increase in the number of PIAPs suspended, PIAPs terminated and new PIAPs concluded was observed. As of 1 March 2024, the Cooperation Agreements between CAVI and ISS, I.P. began to be concluded, which allowed personal assistance to begin to be provided in accordance with the provisions of Ministerial Implementing Order No º 415/2023 of 7 December 2023. By 1 January 2025, all 35 CAVI had signed the Cooperation Agreement with the ISS, I.P..
View highlight details Ibero-American Program for Disability promotes new edition of training on access to justice
As part of Portugal's participation in the Ibero-American Program for Disability (PID), represented by the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDIPD), the new edition of the training action 'Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities', promoted by the PID with the aim of strengthening the skills of justice professionals in the promotion and guarantee of the rights of persons with disabilities, is disseminated. This initiative aims to strengthen the skills of justice professionals in promoting access to justice for persons with disabilities by deepening knowledge of international human rights instruments and disseminating standards and best practices that contribute to more accessible, inclusive and human rights-based justice. The training is aimed at magistrates, bailiffs, lawyers, solicitors, bailiffs, conservators, notaries, senior public administration technicians and other professionals working in the legal areas of the countries participating in the Programme, including Portugal. The action will take place in asynchronous virtual mode, between September 15 and November 30, 2026, will have a total duration of 40 hours, will be taught in Spanish and in Gesto Internacional, through the educational platform of the legal publisher Tirant Lo Blanch. Registration is open until 31 August 2026. The IDiPD encourages the participation of its lawyers and other senior technicians, as well as professionals from the Ministry of Labour, Solidarity and Social Security and the Ministry of Justice, considering that this action provides an opportunity to strengthen competences on the rights of persons with disabilities and to promote more accessible and inclusive justice. The full programme of the course can be consulted HERE Entries must be made through this form . For more information, interested persons can contact the organization of the course by e-mail unidad.técnica@programaiberoamericanodediscapacidad.org or through IDP website .
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10.ª edition of the Human Rights Training Program for Public Administration
The National Institute of Administration (INA) promotes, between September 22 and November 19, the 10ª edition of the Human Rights Training Program for Public Administration. With the aim of promoting human rights and fundamental rights in Portuguese public services, the programme is aimed at workers and managers of the Public Administration and includes: ✔ក E-learning course, free of charge ✔ក Organised in 4 modules and 2 webinars ✔ក Total 30 hours of synchronous training ✔ក Limit of 60 participants per edition The IDiPD, I.P. will also be represented in this edition, ensuring the dynamization of a training component. Registrations and all information about the program, including the schedule, can be consulted Here .
View highlight details NOVA School of Law launches Postgraduate Degree in Educational Guardianship Law
The NOVA School of Law, Faculty of Law of the NOVA University of Lisbon, will launch the 1.ª edition of the Post-Graduation in Educational Guardianship Law, which will take place between September 21 and November 9, 2026, online, through the Microsoft Teams platform. The initiative aims to fill an existing gap in this legal area, providing participants with a comprehensive view on the Educational Guardianship Right and promoting reflection and debate around the most relevant issues related to the rights of young people covered by the educational guardianship intervention. For more information, Here .
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IDiPD present in “LOADING – the 10.º Payment Request is loaded now”
The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, IDiPD, participated in the event “LOADING – the 10.º Request for Payment is now loaded”, promoted by the Recuperar Portugal Mission Structure, which took place on 28 July at the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon. The initiative brought together entities responsible for the implementation of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), at a time of taking stock of the results achieved and preparing the final phase of its implementation, marked by the presentation of the 10.º and last Payment Request. As part of the ‘People – Health and Social Cohesion’ panel, Sónia Esperto, President of the IDiPD Steering Board, highlighted the impact of investments financed by the RRP on promoting the quality of life of people with disabilities. During his speech, he underlined the importance of measures aimed at creating concrete responses for the autonomy of all people, improving accessibility in housing and on public roads, and ensuring participation and proximity in public services, reaffirming the Institute’s commitment to building a truly inclusive society. Throughout the event, results and projects developed in the areas of competitiveness, housing, mobility, social cohesion, climate and digital transition, culture, agriculture and forestry were presented, demonstrating the impact of the RRP’s investments on the territory and on the lives of all people. The involvement of the IDiPD strengthens its role in implementing measures that promote universal accessibility, autonomy and full participation of persons with disabilities, contributing to an empathetic and equitable society. More information, HERE .
View highlight details The Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD, I.P.) participated, as a member and national representative of Portugal in the Ibero-American Program on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PID), in the launch session of the Ibero-American Observatory on Disability and the Labour Market, an initiative promoted by the ONCE Social Group, through the ONCE Foundation for Latin America (FOAL), in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (BID Lab), the Ibero-American Social Security Organization (OISS) and the Ibero-American Program on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PID). The new Observatory is a regional platform aimed at strengthening the production, harmonisation and dissemination of statistical data on disability and the labour market, providing comparable information to support evidence-based public policy-making, promote the labour inclusion of persons with disabilities and strengthen cooperation between Ibero-American countries. During the session it was widely recognised that the availability of reliable, up-to-date and comparable data is an essential tool to monitor the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to develop more effective and result-oriented public policies. Among the main stakeholders were Sabina Lobato, from the ONCE Foundation, who presented the experience of the ODISMET Observatory as a reference in monitoring labour inclusion; Jesús Martín Blanco, President of the Ibero-American Program on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PID), who highlighted the importance of producing scientific knowledge for the definition of public policies and presented the developments of the future Ibero-American Disability Card project; Gina Magnolia Riaño Barón, Secretary-General of the Ibero-American Social Security Organisation (OISS), who addressed the challenges of social protection and labour informality; and Nadine Gasman, an expert at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), who highlighted the need to enhance the quality, harmonisation and disaggregation of statistical data to better identify inequalities and guide inclusive public policies. Topics highlighted included the international harmonisation of disability indicators, the improvement of statistical information systems, the promotion of inclusive employment, the fight against multiple discrimination – with a particular focus on women with disabilities –, the strengthening of social protection and regional cooperation, as well as the development of the future Ibero-American Disability Card, a strategic initiative of the IDP aimed at facilitating the recognition of disability status and the mobility of persons with disabilities between participating countries. The participation of IDiPD, I.P. in this event, as Portugal's national representative in the IDP, reaffirms the Institute's commitment to strengthening Ibero-American cooperation and promoting evidence-based public policies, contributing to the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and to building more inclusive societies.
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EPSCO Council strengthens European commitment to inclusion, equality and social protection
The EPSCO Council, meeting on 29 June 2026 in Luxembourg, adopted a set of conclusions and promoted discussions on key topics of the European social agenda, including the fight against cyber violence against girls, access to adequate and affordable housing, the implementation of the EU Poverty Strategy, the coordination of social security systems and quality of employment. The decisions and guidelines adopted reinforce the European Union’s commitment to promoting equality, inclusion and social cohesion, contributing to the development of more effective and people-centred public policies. For the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (IDiPD, I.P.), these developments are of particular relevance, as they promote a more inclusive approach in the areas of housing, social protection, equal opportunities and combating exclusion, in line with the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030. More information available Here.
View highlight details New publication gathers results of study on the implementation of SIS-A in the evaluation and planning of support for inclusion in employment
The Portuguese Federation of Vocational Training and Employment of Persons with Disabilities and Disabilities (FORMEM) has just published the final results of the study in book form. “SIS-A in the Evaluation and Planning of Support for Employment Inclusion” led, in 2025, by a team of researchers from the School of Education of the Polytechnic Institute of Porto (ESE-IPP) and the Faculty of Human Motricity, University of Lisbon (FMH-UL). The study gathers technical and methodological information on the application of the Support Intensity Scale - Adult Version (SIS-A) as a support tool for assessing support needs and planning responses aimed at the socio-professional inclusion of people with disabilities. The research had the participation of professionals from 23 entities related to the area of socio-professional inclusion, as well as the involvement of 199 people with disabilities. The publication is an integral part of the ‘Know and Monitor for Better Action’ project, co-financed by the Institute for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I.P. (IDiPD, I.P.). available for consultation in the Library of IDiPD, I.P.
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