ASSOCIAÇÃO PORTUGUESA DE PAIS E AMIGOS DO CIDADÃO DEFICIENTE MENTAL
A.P.P.A.C.D.M.
Address : Av. 5 de Outubro, 104 - 50 1050 Lisboa - P.O. Box 14309, 1064 Lisboa Codex
Tel : ++351 / 21 793 08 56 | Fax : ++351 / 21 795 09 93 | E-Mail : appacdmlisboa@esotérica.pt
Contact person : Ana Luísa Lopes do Rego
SUMMARY :
The APPACDM was founded on the 2nd February 1962 in Lisbon by a small group of parents and technicians. Some time after its foundation, 1964, the
APPACDM becomes an active member of the International League of Help to
Mentally Handicapped Associations. In 1965, with the support of private
entities and some official institutions, opens the 1st structure - the
1st Centre of Reeducation and Assistance to the mogoloid child. At the
same time was created a multiprofessional attending team with the main
purpose of helping to solve specific needs of these children’s
families.
There was a remarkable increase in sports activities in Lisbon Delegation and takes place the adherence to the Special Olympics Movement. Our athletes participate in events taking place in Oporto, Brussels (1986), England and USA (1987), Coimbra (1988), Scotland (1990). They also join among others the first
and second Special Sports Games in Lisbon (1988/89) and other meetings
organised by other APPACDM Delegations and CERCIS.
In Lisbon is formed a Theatre group “Nós”, including Mental Handicapped
actors, from CAO (Occupational Activities Centre) and Professional
Centre. Protocols were established with the Lisbon Town Hall, the
Sports Board, the Lisbon Physical Education University and the Lisbon
Medical Sciences University through the Genetics Department.
The 90ies are devoted to the change of both organisation and attitudes. At
this stage were installed Alapraia, Costa da Caparica and Pedralvas
Residences with multiples acitvities.
At present APPACDM has 24 delegations all over the country. Here in Lisbon
we have 10 structures, enclosing services for all ages since birth. The
number of users of Lisbon Centres is about 500 and at the 24
delegations about 5000. Since the beginning, besides developing
structures and services for mentally handicapped persons, the
Association has never ceased promoting and participating in national
and international congresses and seminaries. The aim is the diffusion
of the Association experience in the field of mental handicap as well
as the acquisition of new methodologies, in order to promote a better
life quality for the users and families.
The Normalisation, Social Integration, Individualisation and Welfare of the
Mentally Handicapped Person. The diffusion and defence of the Mental
Handicapped, by way of Rights of the Mentally Handicapped Persons
proclaimed and approved by International League of Societies for
Mentally Handicapped (ILSMH) on the 24th October 1968 and by U.N.O. on
the 28th of December 1971. The defence and systematic promotion of the
real interests and needs of the Mentally Handicapped everywhere,
Institutions, work, homes and society. The facilitation of the awaking
of society to the Mentally Handicapped Persons problems and needs,
making the community aware of its responsibility in the resolution of
these problems, by rational and effective use of all the means and
technics of mass-media. The motivation of parents and families for the
defence of theirs sons rights, providing them with skills to assume
their responsibility in the process of permanent education in school
and at home.