On the eve of the EASPD International Conference in Porto, members of the Member Fora (MF) on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) and Inclusive Education took part in a study visit organised by APPACDM do Porto and the Piaget Institue.

Participants were received at the Escola Básica Dr. Costa Matos (Vila Nova de Gaia) by their director and team of professionals.

Following an introduction to the Portuguese education system, the two groups split. Members of the ECI MF visited the pre-school facilities and their inclusive learning environments. They could learn from teachers, special educators and support staff on how children with developmental delays or disabilities are included in the school environment. The focus of the visit was to show how ECI is implemented in the everyday contexts of children's lives, particularly in pre-school, with the involvement of families and educators, in collaboration with the ECI primary provider.

Meanwhile, the Education MF members visited middle/lower-secondary classrooms and common areas. The group gained a clearer understanding of the different types of support provided, both within the classroom and across the wider school environment, to ensure that students with disabilities can fully participate in school life. During the visit, the group engaged with various professionals, including teachers and support staff, who provided detailed insights into their daily work and the strategies used to support students’ participation and development.

The two groups were then joined by members of the Independent Living Member Forum for a typical Portuguese lunch, provided by a social enterprise located in the historic city centre. This enterprise provides catering training and employs individuals who are homeless or at risk of exclusion, including persons with disabilities, supporting their professional and social reintegration.

After lunch, the group went to the APPACDM headquarters for a more in-depth presentation on the Portuguese inclusive education and ECI legislation, their organisation and implementation across the country. Feedback from families and professionals was also presented and discussed, highlighting best practices and the challenges of the Portuguese system.

The day finished with a joint networking coffee event.