Carolyn A. Says:
I would love to move to Portugal but I have a Down Syndrome daughter who would have to move with me. What is the support like in Portugal for people with such a condition?
IL Contributor in Portugal Tricia Pimental Says:
Dear Carolyn,
Thanks so much for your question. Our goal at International Living is to equip our readers to address a wide spectrum of issues as they investigate travel and retirement options for themselves and their families. While I’m not an expert on this particular topic, I will do my best to point you towards those who are and can help you and your daughter.
I would first suggest contacting the European Down Syndrome Association. is a non-profit organization supporting those with Down Syndrome throughout Europe. While they don’t have any Portugal-specific information available online, the organization is dedicated to improving the health, education and training, and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome in Europe and their representatives may be able to offer advice and aid if you contact them, which you can do right here.
There are also two organizations within Portugal that could help, both in and around the Lisbon area.
Appt21 offers educational, medical, and social support to children, teens, and adults with Down Syndrome and their families. Their website is entirely in Portuguese, but you can email them here for information and advice.
Pais 21 is another organization in Lisbon that can offer help and support. They act as an entity that aggregates information in order to make it available to those who need it, and create tools to support families at different levels. You can email them here. Pais 21 is also open for consultation every Thursday by appointment at their offices in Lisbon.
Although you did not ask regarding insurance for health expenses, bear in mind that as a visa-holding resident you will have access to the public health system, Serviço Nacional de Saude. The system does sometimes charge nominal fees for access to certain treatments, specialists, and prescriptions. Policies change, but my understanding is that at the present time children under the age of 18 and adults over 65 enjoy 100% free healthcare. Insurance coverage for private healthcare is available from companies such as Médis and Fidelidade.
I hope this information will be of use to you and wish you the best on your journey!
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