The Regional Secretary for Social Solidarity stated today in Ponta Delgada that the ongoing investments and those to begin soon, directed to people with special needs or disabilities, "represent an investment of nearly 8.7 million Euros" to be made by the Azorean Government.

These investments "reinforce and improve the Network of Social Infrastructures in the Azores," stressed Andreia Cardoso, who spoke during the opening of the Residential Home of the Association of Parents and Friends of Disabled Children in the Archipelago of the Azores.

Andreia Cardoso recalled that the financial allocation provided in the 2015 budget for people with special needs is almost five times higher than the amount granted in the previous year. In this context, the government official stressed that the ongoing investments on the islands of São Miguel, Terceira, São Jorge and Graciosa will cover nearly one hundred citizens with special needs.

"On the day when we celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I want to tell you that the Regional Government of the Azores is aware of this issue and is committed to develop and improve social responses in order to ensure the dignity, rights and well-being of people with special needs and disabilities," noted the Regional Secretary.

The residential home that was opened today is located in the Village of Fajã de Baixo, Ponta Delgada. It has the capacity to shelter eight young adults with intellectual and development difficulties that cannot live with their families, either on a temporary or permanent basis.