countries - Portugal

The information contained on this page was compiled in April 2009 by our country team.

Contact: Alexandra Pimenta
National Institute for Rehabilitation

Email: Alexandra.C.Pimenta@seg-social.pt
http://www.inr.pt

The full text can be downloaded here.

The key national bodies with responsibility for disability law and policy implementation include:

The Secretary of State for Rehabilitation within the Ministry of Labour and Social Solidarity is in charge of an integrated policy aimed to promote the equal opportunities of all citizens and to fight discrimination against people with disabilities.

Portugal has signed the United Nations Convention and the Optional Protocol.

Important national laws, policies and strategies concerning disabled people include:

Key features of the national system include (including adapted items from the MISSOC database December 2008):

Disability benefits

Information about pensions and benefits available for people with disabilities is available at www.inr.pt, www.seg-social.pt and www.gep.mtss.gov.pt

Data on population indicate that:

According to the 2001 National Population Census, 6.1% of the total population has at least one type of self-reported disability. However, QUANTi study (a 1993-1995 survey) found that 9.2% of the population had some type of disability - a figure close to that determined by studies conducted in other European Union countries.

We are not currently aware of any academic networks or resources for disability research in Portugal.

The national organisation representing disabled people at the European level (European Disability Forum) is:

Portuguese confederation of organisations of disabled people (CNOD). This Confederation represents 35 NGOs of People with Disabilities (2 Federations and 33 Associations). All types of disabilities are represented.

Useful sources of more detailed information about the situation of disabled people, and the policies and support available, include:

Action Plan for the Integration of People with Disabilities (PAIPDI)

National Employment Plan (PNE)

National Action Plan for Inclusion (PNAI)

National Plan for the Promotion of Accessibility (PNPA)

National Action Program for Grow and Employment (PNACE)

National Public Budget, National Strategy for Tourism

National Strategy for Sustainable Development