The first edition of the “Mãos dadas com os Açores” (Holding hands with the Azores) Programme, which takes place from April 2-9, is an unprecedented and innovative initiative  promoted by the Azorean Government, through Regional Directorate for Communities, in the context of the projects developed to strengthen ties between the Azores and Azorean communities in the Diaspora.

This project, which is addressed at citizens of Azorean origin with disabilities residing in the USA and Canada, aims to organise visits to the Azores for its participants, allowing them to contact with the current Azorean reality and meet with relatives and friends.

 This initiative also aims to promote and encourage, in conjunction with the partner organisations of the International Network of Social Services headquartered in aforementioned countries working in the area of disabilities, the development of actions promoting equality of opportunities for disabled people, in order to improve their quality of life, as well as to combat the discrimination and indifference that disabled people still face.

During their stay in the Region, the group, composed by ten participants from the USA and Canada, will benefit from a recreational and cultural programme, including visits to several municipalities where, in a gesture of solidarity, they will be welcomed by some social solidarity institutions, such as the “Santa Casa da Misericórdia” of Vila Franca do Campo, Ribeira Grande and the APACDA association (Association of Professionals and Friends of Autistic Children with Learning Disabilities) in Ponta Delgada.

The development of this initiative counted upon the support of the following entities: SATA Internacional; Regional Secretariat for Science, Technology and Infrastructures; Azores Tourism Office; Institute for Social Work - Ponta Delgada; Esperança Convent; “Santa Casa da Misericórdia” of Vila Franca do Campo; “Santa Casa da Misericórdia” of Ribeira Grande; Occupational Activity Centre Maia; Cresaçor – Regional Cooperative for Solidarity Economy;  APACDA Association and Seara de Trigo Association.