The new space, inaugurated on Tuesday, October 20th, aims to enhance the autonomy, participation, and quality of life for individuals supported by the Center, through the evaluation, experimentation, and training of communication support technologies. The initiative pays tribute to Margarida Nunes da Ponte, a pioneer in augmentative communication in Portugal, after whom the room is named.
The MEO Foundation will provide computer equipment, technological solutions, and furniture, as well as training for the Center's professionals. Resources include hybrid computers, eye-tracking devices, Augmentative and Alternative Communication software, scanners, and communicators.
The Santa Casa's Provedor, Paulo Sousa, highlighted the shared values between the institutions and their commitment to inclusion. The director of the MEO Foundation, Carolina Pita Negrão, emphasized the importance of identifying individual needs to select the most suitable technological solutions.
The management of the space and its services will be handled by the Calouste Gulbenkian Cerebral Palsy Center (CPCCG), integrating the new technologies into its evaluation and support processes.
