José Manuel Bolieiro highlights transformative role of APACDAA on its 50th anniversary - Communication

Secretaria Regional das Finanças, Planeamento e Administração Pública

The President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, chaired today the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Association of Parents and Friends of Children with Disabilities of the Archipelago of the Azores  (APACDAA), held at its headquarters in Ponta Delgada. The occasion celebrated the institution's history and highlighted its social impact over the past half-century.

The head of the Azorean Government highlighted the Association’s “crucial” role in promoting inclusion and supporting families. In this regard, he emphasised that “half a century of existence, spanning several generations, demonstrates that love has been able to transform a need into a tangible, profoundly human and compassionate response.”

José Manuel Bolieiro also pointed out that APACDAA was founded in response to the isolation experienced by many families, helping to “break the cycle of loneliness and foster mutual support, where those most in need found strength through sharing and unity.”

For the President, this journey represents “a lesson for society as a whole,” adding: “those facing the greatest difficulties were also the first to show solidarity, and we hope that everyone can respond in the same spirit to those most in need.”

The President of the Regional Government stressed that the Association's work has contributed to “creating opportunities for happiness for its users” and to “awakening a more supportive collective consciousness.” In this context, he defended that this commitment must also be embraced by public institutions.

“It is through love and solidarity that peace of mind is built for each person, but institutions do not replace people; they complement them and must stand by their side,” he stated.

The ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque commemorating the 50th anniversary of APACDAA, a musical moment, and the launch of the book “50 Anos da Associação de Pais e Amigos das Crianças Deficientes do Arquipélago dos Açores,” presented by Herberto Gomes.

The event also featured speeches by the President of the Board, Maria José Coelho, and the Association’s founder, Margarida Garcez, key figures in the history and development of an institution that remains a benchmark in promoting dignity, inclusion and quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities in the Region.