WHAT I LEARNED

The Disability and Human Rights Observatory

When I visited the ODDH, I met with associate professor and coordinator Paula Pinto. I found that there are many factors that make Portugal struggle with disability policy, accessibility, and social attitude. However, Portugal subscribes to some philosophies that actually make them more advanced than other Western countries in some regards. My interview with Dr. Pinto follows (answers are summarized and slightly altered to make more sense). 

Q: How do policies and social attitudes surrounding the disabled community in Portugal compare to the rest of Europe?

A: Many proposals are too radical and can’t pass into effect. Other policies are there, but aren’t actually implemented because of lack of training and local resources. Most other European countries don’t quite struggle with implementation. 

We do, however, take pride in our education system. 99% of children with mental disabilities who attend school are integrated mainstream. We believe that the biggest barrier is attitudes. By educating typical and disabled peers together, we hope to alter negative social attitudes. 

Q: What is Portugal’s history with the disabled and how has that shaped its status now?

A: In the 20th century, little attention was given to the disabled because of the Portugese dictatorship. Traditionally, Portugese families acted as caregivers to their disabled children, so institutions were not popular. After the First World War, the number of disabled citizens increased, so change began in the 50’s/60’s. In 1974, the revolution in gender began, which also pushed for disability rights. In 1986, Portugal joined the European Union which forced change. It also exposed Portugal to other European tactics that they could soon mimic. In the 21st century, Portugal began conducting research and has since progressed substantially. Still, we have a long way to go. 

Q: How do other socio-economic factors (i.e. poverty levels and gender ideals) play a role in discrimination against those with disabilities?

A: There is a pretty consistent correlation between disability and poverty: the more severe the disability, the higher risk of poverty for that family. There is a higher risk of poverty for families of those with disabilities compared to the rest of Europe. In Portugal, the government does not provide much at-home support for the disabled, so parents commonly have to tend to their disabled child during the day instead of going to work. 

There is a clear gender divide within the disabled community in Portugal. Unfortunately, there is a worse outcome for women with special needs than men. Even though Portugal efficiently mainstreams children with special needs, there is still a gender gap in education. 62% of children with special needs in school are boys, while 38% are girls. Girls’ disabilities tend to go undiagnosed, so they do not get special services and eventually quit school. 

Autism was always considered more popular amongst boys than girls, but it turns out it was frequently going undiagnosed for many girls. Male characteristics of autism are more well-known, so when girls do not display those characteristics, they are not diagnosed. Female characteristics differ and doctors need to become aware of this. 

Q: Can you explain Portugal’s accessibility issue?

A: Considering the geography and history of Portugese cities, they are very difficult for wheelchair-users and the physically disabled to navigate. Portugal consists of steep hills. In all cities, slick cobblestone was used to create roads and crosswalks. The cobblestone is traditional and, even though there have been many movements to repave roads, Portugal does not want to alter its historic roads. It is almost as if Portugal values its roads more than its people.

Public transportation is nearly impossible for wheelchair-users. Only certain buses are wheelchair accessible, so individuals must let 3, 4, or even 5 buses before they are able to be picked up. I had a student that couldn’t get to the university until 11am even though she left her house at 8am everyday and only lives a half an hour away. When she transitions to the workforce, what boss will accept this?   

Q: What forms of discrimination do people with disabilities face?

A: The major problem is the government doesn’t understand disabilities as a human rights issue. Special needs need to be addressed in the mainstream. Although laws are advancing, society struggles. There needs to be more research and more public discussion!  

Q: What is the government actively doing to change policy? Are larger European organizations involved?

A: An independent living pilot program has recently been implemented. It should help people with disabilities develop the life skills needed to live in group homes or alone. This program will allow parents to go back to work and increase their income. Education has been promoted “by state” and new education laws have been implemented. A court decision called “mental capacity,” which made people with disabilities (even if they were of legal age) treated as minors in court, was overturned. Now, everyone is assessed on an individual basis, giving more people their proper rights. 

There is a national system of early intervention, which supplies therapies to children with special needs. Unfortunately, it runs on a shortage of resources. Although it is free, it is not enough to fulfill the child’s needs. Also, cities and territories are not evenly covered, so it is not very accessible. This is certainly something Portugal needs to work on.   

Q: What is next for Portugal?

A: The media needs to take charge in order to promote disability rights. Accessibility needs re-addressed, personal assistance is on the rise, and more topics are being brought up in the public.In the U.S. companies have been using to disabled models to represent the community, however such movements are nonexistent in Portugal. 

Q: How can citizens help?

A: People need to become aware of the new approach to disability rights. If people are educated, the public will be more open to change. We don’t want it channeled into a charity approach, but rather a respect for one another. The increase in research has also been a huge help as it spreads awareness. 

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Riding for the Disabled 

While early intervention physical therapy is provided to children with special needs and handicaps in Portugal, it is insufficient and lacks proper resources. In turn, many families outsource private organizations, like Riding for the Disabled, to help their children. Because parents must pay out of pocket for these sessions, these organizations are a privilege that don’t reach all children in need. However, they are extremely beneficial to those who can access them. 

When I volunteered at Riding for the Disabled, I was able to see many children progress. Horseback riding is not only exercise, but corrects children’s posture. I learned that these sessions are also used to help children with behavioral needs: kids are guided around to different obstacles and must listen to the constructor and complete the task in order to continue the ride. It was extremely interesting to see the creative ways horseback riding is used to assist children’s therapy sessions.

During my time at Riding for the Disabled, I spoke with Kathryn Watson, the head coordinator, about the mission of the organization and how they help the disabled community as a whole. My interview with her Ms. Watson follows.

Q: How have you seen Riding for the Disabled help children and young adults?

 A: It is physical activity for children who spend all of their time in wheelchairs. Riding a horse is symmetrical and establishes independence of movement between arms and legs. It helps with a child’s balance and coordination along with posture. There is a psychological benefit associated with pride and being situated on an elevated horse. Children in wheelchairs are constantly looked down upon, but when they are on a horse, they are looked up to. It challenges their self awareness and boosts their self esteem. There is also an underlying emotional therapy included in horseback riding. Kids love animals and when they grow to trust their horse, they establish an important relationship. 

Q: How much does it cost the families of the riders? Could you see the Portuguese government ever supporting private therapy organizations enough to lower the costs or even make them free?

A: Like all private therapies, such as sailing, swimming, and riding, we must charge per session at this point. From October through June, each session costs 25 euro [U.S. equivalent to $27.35]. Unfortunately, many lower class families cannot afford it, but the price is reasonable and so we are fairly accessible. 

While I don’t see the government giving us any support in the near future, many third party associations give children with special needs a stipend for extracurricular activities.

Q: What are other benefits to children who ride at Riding for the Disabled?

A: While typical physical therapy takes place indoors, riding horses is an outdoor activity that exposes kids to fresh air and nature. We even ride down to the coast with some riders, so they are exposed to the sounds of the ocean and the beautiful scenery. We have 80-90 riders a week in our busy months plus many more volunteers, so our riders create human bonds. Many disabled children do not have a consistent social life, so parents have commented on how great it is that their kids make friends at Riding for the Disabled.