Early Intervention
The pilot project “Early Intervention – Building Good Practices” came to a close in 2008; the project monitored approximately one hundred children under the age of six who have or are at risk of developing developmental problems with a view to helping them to become more independent.
The project was also responsible for capacity building work with the children’s’ families so that they could carry out their role of raising their children and supporting their development to their best abilities. An in-depth study was also conducted which led to the compilation of a number of recommendations with regards to early intervention practices relevant to the Portuguese context.
The results are due to be presented at a conference at the Foundation on 10 December 2009., when Professor Don Bailey will speak on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, an agreement which has already been ratified by several United Nations member states including Portugal.The conference will also feature the participation of the project director, Joaquim Gronita, and Professor Daniel Sampaio, a specialist in family therapy and relations between adolescents and their families. Coinciding with the conference will be the launch of a Good Practice Manual for Early Intervention professionals and researchers, as well as an easy-to-read brochure for families and the general public.
It is clear that the issue of Early Prevention has become of key importance when we consider the implications policies, such as the integration of children with special needs in state schools or the withdrawal of support for the early monitoring of children, could potentially have on the stability of the condition of those children.
This project was carried out by the Torreguia Cooperative in collaboration with Cercizimbra, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Sesimbra Town Council and the Sesimbra Rotary Club.
“Reframing Disability in the 21st Century”, by Don Bailey
“Disability Rights on the European Agenda”, by Hywel Ceri Jones