"We need to strengthen our ambition and our acts" when integrating persons with disabilities

Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa gave a video speech at the High-Level Conference on the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, where he stated that "we need to strengthen our ambition and our acts" in implementing this strategy.

António Costa claimed that "persons with disabilities still face considerable barriers and are at higher risk of poverty and social exclusion", so we must "take into account the needs of persons with disabilities in organizations, projects and policies, in legislation and in all the programmes funded" by the European Union and Member States.

The Portuguese Prime Minister also mentioned the measures that his two Governments have taken in this field, which show that "we have a bold strategy and ambitious programmes. We hope that they will be effective to produce what we wish: a fairer society that leaves no one behind". 

He highlighted the specific measures to foster autonomy, participation and self-determination in persons with disabilities: 

• Social Benefit for Inclusion 
• Legal Framework for Inclusive Education 
• the creation of the programme Model for Support to Independent Life 
• the approval of the new Legal Scheme for Accompanied Persons of Age 
• the promotion of employability of persons with disabilities, and
• the promotion of tax and digital accessibilities.

António Costa further stated that "at the end of April, following thorough work that counted on the participation of NGOs for persons with disabilities, the various governance sector areas and a public consultation process where many took part, we will approve the national Strategy for the Integration of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2025".