The new space, equipped with assistive technologies for communication and inclusion of people with disabilities, was inaugurated on December 3 — the International Day of Persons with Disabilities — by the MEO Foundation and the Polytechnic of Leiria.

Coordinated by aTOPlab – Assistive Technology and Occupational Performance Laboratory, the space is supplied with various assistive technologies such as MagicContact, Grid 3, PC Eye, and ZoomText, ensuring inclusion through access to communication, autonomy, and active participation for people with motor, cognitive, visual, or speech difficulties.

The ciTechCare laboratory, responsible for researching and evaluating assistive products for people with functional limitations, will serve the community, train future professionals, and develop research projects in the field of rehabilitation using cutting-edge assistive technology.

Leiria is now the third “Espaço com sentido” in Portugal, following Porto and Faro, allowing it to “strengthen its mission as a reference institution in education, research, and health intervention” and to contribute to a fairer, more inclusive, and more humane society, says Rui Fonseca-Pinto, director of the School of Health Sciences (ESSLei).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the director of the MEO Foundation, Carolina Pita Negrão, Rui Fonseca-Pinto, and the vice-president of the Polytechnic of Leiria, José Frade.