Forum Algarve's October Push for Inclusion: Jobs, Sensory Experiences, and Accessible Cinema

Forum Algarve Strengthens Commitment to Inclusion

During October, Forum Algarve is reinforcing its commitment to inclusion and social responsibility through a series of initiatives aimed at promoting the professional integration of people with disabilities, raising awareness about visual impairment challenges, and contributing to the inclusion of those with hearing disabilities.

In partnership with the Algarve Association – AAPACDM and service provider Samsic, Forum Algarve has taken a concrete step towards labor inclusion. This month, the shopping center, managed by Multi Portugal, will integrate two people with intellectual disabilities into the restaurant cleaning teams. This action highlights the importance of creating dignified employment opportunities and promoting diversity in teams.

To mark World White Cane Day on October 15, Forum Algarve, in collaboration with the Four Senses project by the Ver pelo Coração Association, is promoting an awareness initiative for visual impairment. From October 11 to 15, visitors to Forum Algarve can participate in an immersive experience designed to transport them to an unknown environment where vision is absent, and orientation relies solely on other senses and the white cane. Participants navigate a delimited route, simulating the challenge of moving in a new space without using sight. The experience is guided with continuous support to ensure safety throughout.

This experience takes place in the Central Square and operates during the following hours: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM (October 11 and 12); and 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (October 13, 14, and 15). The space also features photo exhibits related to visual impairment and a children's area with educational activities. Daily at 6:00 PM, a series of talks focused on visual impairment will address crucial topics such as inclusion, accessibility, and social responsibility.

Also, as part of community outreach and inclusion, on October 15 at 9:00 PM, the NOS Cinema at Forum Algarve will host a special screening of the Portuguese film O Lugar dos Sonhos, fully accessible to the deaf community. This session includes adapted subtitles and interpretation in Portuguese Sign Language. With this first session, Forum Algarve, in partnership with NOS Cinemas, reinforces its commitment to ensuring this audience has access to cinema halls under equal conditions.

"Inclusion at Forum Algarve is an ongoing concern. Our goal is to be a center accessible to all, where every person feels truly included and valued. This commitment is part of our DNA and our focus on social responsibility," stated Sérgio Santos, Director of Forum Algarve.