Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair highlights the importance of the creative economy for atypical families
Event organized by SESPA/CEPA gives visibility to the talent and skills of people with autism and their families
Totally focused on inclusion and the creative economy, the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair, held monthly by the State Department of Public Health of Pará (Sespa), through the State Coordination of Autism Policies (Cepa), offers a space for people with autism and their families to showcase and sell their products in order to obtain a source of income.
The event, now in its 30th edition, takes place at the Porto Futuro Urban Park in Belém this weekend, from 4 PM to 9 PM.
Inclusion
According to Brena Maués, a psychologist from the technical area of Sespa, the fair generates income for those facing challenges in the job market. "The fair is a space for the promotion of products and services from these families. We understand that due to the care required for people with autism, many family members end up distancing themselves from formal work. Therefore, this initiative allows the economy to circulate and generates income for them," she explained.
The initiative has already registered more than 200 entrepreneurs and features 10 stalls set up, showcasing a wide variety of products such as cakes, cookies, stickers, books, toys, accessories, and handmade items that highlight the talent and dedication of the entrepreneurs.
Supermoms
Mother of two children with autism, artisan Francisca Duarte dos Santos, 53, does not spare praise for them and speaks of the pride she feels. She shared that her oldest son is 28 years old and has already graduated from college, while her 22-year-old son started a year ago.
For the artisan, the fair has a special meaning. "The fair not only promotes our work, but it also welcomes us. Handicrafts help me generate income and work on my mental health to deal with the difficult situations we sometimes face. Everything I do is for my children, and it is always worth it," said Francisca.
Rosana Melèm, 57, is an artisan of bio-jewelry and handmade jewelry. A mother and grandmother of autistic individuals, she gets excited when talking about the appreciation and support that the fair promotes.
"I have a daughter, a granddaughter, and two grandsons in this condition. Therefore, for me, the fair is so important. It is a project that supports income generation, but it is also a therapy. It keeps our minds healthy and calmer to take care of our loved ones at home. Here we are very much partners," she emphasized.
Awareness
It is worth noting that, in addition to boosting the economy, the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair also promotes awareness about autism and the importance of social inclusion.
Service
Location: Porto Futuro Urban Park – Avenida Visconde de Souza Franco (Doca), between Rua Belém and Avenida Castilhos França, Reduto neighborhood.
Date: Saturday (10) and Sunday (11)
Time: 4 PM to 9 PM
The event is free and open to the public.
Text: Suellen Santos - Ascom Sespa
