This study aims to understand the areas of activity of different Inclusive Spaces (IS)/centers in Portuguese-Speaking countries (PSC), including their structures, target audiences and communication strategies, to characterize them. It also aims to understand how these aspects contribute to promoting the autonomy, integration and inclusion of People with Disabilities (PwD). A qualitative approach was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted with representatives from 16 IS in Portugal, Brazil, and Angola. The interviews explored four key aspects: spaces characterization, team composition, target audience and communication strategies. The data were analyzed using NVivo content analysis software, identifying recurring patterns and variations. The results show that the main goals of IS are to support and empower PwD through initiatives that promote social inclusion and capacity building. The services provided cover areas such as qualification, support for quality of life, assessment and provision of assistive technologies, and training for professionals and caregivers. Communication is mainly addressed to PwD, families, caregivers and health/education professionals, using websites, social media and personal testimonials. The challenges identified included resource limitations and difficulties in adopting accessible communication practices. The analysis revealed that most participants consider campaigns to be more effective when based on real stories of PwD. The increasing use of digital platforms was identified as a strategy to reach a wider audience and ensure awareness. IS are crucial in promoting social inclusion, empowerment, and support for PwD and their families. Despite using effective media, many of these centers lack defined communication strategies, partly due to financial and structural challenges. Participants recommend more humanized and accessible campaigns, focused on real stories, and greater use of digital platforms, pointing to promising directions for increasing social reach and awareness. The study offers valuable insights into the practices and needs of these spaces, proposing ways to strengthen their visibility and social impact.

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Inclusive Spaces: Characterization, Audiences and Disseminating Practices

  • Francisca Rocha Lourenço,
  • Rita Oliveira,
  • Oksana Tymoshchuk

摘要

This study aims to understand the areas of activity of different Inclusive Spaces (IS)/centers in Portuguese-Speaking countries (PSC), including their structures, target audiences and communication strategies, to characterize them. It also aims to understand how these aspects contribute to promoting the autonomy, integration and inclusion of People with Disabilities (PwD). A qualitative approach was adopted, with semi-structured interviews conducted with representatives from 16 IS in Portugal, Brazil, and Angola. The interviews explored four key aspects: spaces characterization, team composition, target audience and communication strategies. The data were analyzed using NVivo content analysis software, identifying recurring patterns and variations. The results show that the main goals of IS are to support and empower PwD through initiatives that promote social inclusion and capacity building. The services provided cover areas such as qualification, support for quality of life, assessment and provision of assistive technologies, and training for professionals and caregivers. Communication is mainly addressed to PwD, families, caregivers and health/education professionals, using websites, social media and personal testimonials. The challenges identified included resource limitations and difficulties in adopting accessible communication practices. The analysis revealed that most participants consider campaigns to be more effective when based on real stories of PwD. The increasing use of digital platforms was identified as a strategy to reach a wider audience and ensure awareness. IS are crucial in promoting social inclusion, empowerment, and support for PwD and their families. Despite using effective media, many of these centers lack defined communication strategies, partly due to financial and structural challenges. Participants recommend more humanized and accessible campaigns, focused on real stories, and greater use of digital platforms, pointing to promising directions for increasing social reach and awareness. The study offers valuable insights into the practices and needs of these spaces, proposing ways to strengthen their visibility and social impact.