European Day for Independent Living is celebrated with actions across the country

It is noted on May 5th the European Day of Independent Life, with rallies and marches in Vila Real, Braga, Guimarães, Porto, Coimbra, Lisbon, Faro and Azores (São Miguel).

On the date when disability is celebrated as an expression of human diversity and pride in the community, rights that have yet to be guaranteed are also claimed. This year, the Coletivo VIM — Vida Independente em Marcha, which includes around 250 people with disabilities, organizes marches and rallies across the country. It also has the support of collectives and organizations from different social movements, which have come together with the common objective of fighting for human rights, such as: SOS Racismo, ILGA Portugal, Rede 8M, Plataforma Feminista, rede ex aequo, among others.

“We deeply believe that unity and support between social movements is fundamental to achieving a dignified, free and self-determined society.”defends the collective.

Launched for the first time in Portugal in 2018, the March for Independent Life it leads people with disabilities to make their reality, their bodies and their struggle visible. In this 7th edition, the concentrations begin at the same time – 3:30 pm -, with the exception of the Azores – 10am00.

Real Village – Av. 5 de Outubro (next to the station)

Braga — Porta Nova Arch

Guimarães — Largo do Toural

Harbor – Porto City Hall

Coimbra — 8th of May Square (concentration)

Lisbon — Tivoli Theater (Av. da Liberdade)

Faro — João de Deus Secondary School

São Miguel (Azores) — Gates of the City (concentration | 10h)

“The current political situation is worrying because there are no clear signs of inverting the welfare paradigm towards deinstitutionalization and a clear commitment to independent living.”, explains the organization. This is one of the main demands of Coletivo VIM — Vida Independente em Marcha.

The end of assistance and institutionalizing measures justified by the Portuguese State’s alleged budgetary insufficiency and lack of alternatives is one of the demands present in the collective’s manifesto.

“The fight for human rights concerns all people, regardless of their individual characteristics (…). We are many, many, different and proud, and we want to show that. Intersectionality has never made more sense than it does now!”can be read in the manifesto.

I CAME