The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated in Ponta Delgada that promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities was one of the Regional Government's priorities during this legislative term, as evidenced by the creation of the Disability Support Centre. 

Andreia Cardoso spoke on the sidelines of a visit to the site of the renovation works of the building where the Disability Support Centre will be installed. The space will be shared by Aurora Social - Association for Promotion and Supported Employment and Portuguese Association for Developmental Disorders and Autism (APPDA Açores). 

"This infrastructure, which we expect to complete in the first half of next year, will take into account the various needs identified in the assessment conducted to the Occupational Activity Centres (CAO) in 2018," said the government official. 

"This new space aims to provide an alternative offer of support services that will contribute to the social and professional integration of users, with the introduction of multiple disability support areas," said the government official. 

The Disability Support Centre is the result of an investment from the Regional Government amounting to more than four million euros. It includes the acquisition and the renovation works of the building, which will respond to 80 people with disabilities on the island of São Miguel. 

The building includes spaces for occupational, personal and social development activities as well as for daily living activities and acquisition of skills, with a view to promoting the autonomy of users and their potential.