A pilot project allows 20 people with disabilities in the Algarve to lead independent lives, in a program that already covers 900 people in 35 centers in the country and seeks funding in the next community framework.
Since February 2019, the Independent Life Support Center (CAVI) of the Portuguese Association of Cerebral Palsy of Faro (APPC) has allowed several people to acquire freedom and autonomy to study or have their own job.
It was in May 2019 that Carina Kaupe had access to this support, starting to be accompanied almost every day by Isabel Van Der Kelen, which made a “huge difference” in her life.
“It brought more autonomy, freedom, independence and the opportunity to study in a more accompanied and unburdened way, freeing my parents”, said Carina Kaupe.
Having a personal assistant allowed Carina to enjoy leisure activities, something she “didn’t do before” as her parents “worked a lot”, which left little extra time to do the “things she wanted”, she confesses.
Entering CAVI allowed her to continue her academic studies, completing a master’s degree in psychology and enjoying a better quality of life with the “assistance and care” that was previously impossible.
“The assistant facilitates the physical aspect of writing, it is my extension and I say this in an affectionate way. The project brings us a lot of peace of mind”, he assured.
It is precisely the continuity of the project that worries Carina “daily”, comparing a possible lack of funding with the fact that they gave her wings to “be able to fly” and then “cut them off”.
Isabel Van Der Kelen is Carina’s assistant – the fourth person she supports – and reveals that she feels “fulfilled” for feeling that she has contributed to improving the lives of those who are “totally capable”, just unable to complete certain activities that allowed them to “live life fully”.
“It’s not just the monetary part and working to meet the schedule means making a difference and feeling that the person benefits. When Carina completes her master’s degree, she managed to complete that phase, I feel proud because I managed to make a difference”, she admitted.
In reviewing its four beneficiaries, each with their own “challenges” depending on their disability, he said that the complicated thing at this moment is dealing with the anxiety that the project could end.
“Those who work will have to stop doing so and those who study the same, if their parents cannot accompany them, in addition to personal fulfillment”, he warned.
On the sidelines of a visit to the APPC in Faro, the Secretary of State for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities assured today that the Government has extended the projects for “another six months” beyond January 2022, so that there can be a transition “ with peace of mind” for the new community framework.
With this measure, Ana Sofia Antunes said that the transition to the new support framework to which centers can apply is “guaranteed”, obtaining “more money” and continuing support.
“Our objective commitment is to have a definitive model, legislated and approved by the end of the current Government mandate, until 2023, and which transforms it into a permanent social security response”, he assured.
