Portugal faces a historical increase of children with special needs – and parents rarely have guarantees that they leave their children in a safe space, where they are given the answers they need.
Portugal has witnessed a historical increase in cases of children with special educational needs (NEE).
Last year, a report by the Directorate-General for Education and Science Statistics (DGEEC) about the state of “inclusive education” in 2022/2023 revealed that students with “special needs” increased 13% in two years.
This increase is patent, for example, in the search for inclusive ATL, especially at summer. Over the past two years, the number of families that sought ATL that responds to Nee has increased by 40%; And, according to Saluslive, it is estimated that grow another 70% by 2028.
In a statement sent to ZAP, Saluslive, a national reference center in pediatric intervention, reveals that in its specific case, half children registered in projects such as ATL have specific needswhich demonstrates the demand for solutions that combine leisure, learning and specialized follow -up.
Saluslive points out two very specific cases that reveal the true impact of these inclusive ATL, such as two 6 -year -olds – one with a severe motor disability – who have created an immediate friendship, and another from a boy who, throughout the ATL, has gained autonomy to feed on his own.
”These are achievements that change family routines and reinforce the importance of integrating environments, ”says Raquel CunhaTechnical Director of Saluslive.
“We feel enormous confidence in the team. The activities are varied and designed for each child, even having different needs. They always go happy and come back full of stories to tell! It is a space where they feel safe, included and happy”Points out, in the statement, Tânia Vargas, a mother, who has a child in an inclusive ATL.
For parents it is paramount to be able to leave their children in a safe space where they are given the answers they need.
But Portugal does not give adequate answers
It happens is that Portugal is not answering families And with this to these children who need very specific support. This phenomenon is reflected mainly in the most isolated regions of the country.
Raquel Cunha stresses that “the offer of inclusive ATL in Portugal remains limited, especially outside the large urban centerswhich worries us greatly, as there should be more investment in projects that integrate children with and without special needs, and that guarantee specialized technical support and socialization opportunities in shared environment. ”
