Solidarity and social security in Portugal: from assistencialism to rights and social

inclusionDeMo project final conference

14.11.06• Prague

Jerónimo SousaCristina Crisóstomo

Mónica Correia

www.crpg.pt

© CRPG 2014

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1º. Responsibility on individuals and families, complemented by charitable organisations

2º. The emergence of social security system• Limited areas and supports• Non universal

3º. The modernisation of the social security system• Based on state organised solidarity• European social model approach

Care and life support in Portugal

A long path

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• Before the revolution - 1974• Segregation, exclusion – minimum survival

conditions

• After the revolution• Recognition of rights and full dignity• Subject of citizenship and social inclusion

Disability in Portugal

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• Income assurance

• Compensation of costs

• Habilitation/rehabilitation

Social protection and persons with disabilitiesPolicy pillars

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• Disability supplement to the family < 24

• Special schooling subsidy < 24

• Complementary payment for assistance by a third person < 24

• Monthly lifelong subsidy > 24

• Social disability pension

Social protection and persons with disabilitiesMost relevant allowances

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• Early intervention

• Provision of assistive products and technologies

• Centre for occupational activities

• Foster care

• Home care services

• Residential care 

• Supported and independent living units

Social protection and persons with disabilitiesMost relevant services

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• From assistencialism

• To rights based approach

• To social inclusion

• To equality and non discrimination

• Mainstreaming policy(ies)

An ideological and political evolution

Source: OCDE (2003). Transforming disability into ability.

Disability policy typology around 1985 and 2000

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• Complexity – too many support measures and difficult to

acceed/reacceed

• Not based on a comprehensive, integrated and individualised needs assessment

• Weak combination with active policies and measures

Social protection and persons with disabilitiesAreas for improvement

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• A fantastic path done

• A long way to do

Portuguese system regarding disability