Integrated Rehabilitation Center honors fathers for their care, love, and dedication
In the month dedicated to fathers, stories of overcoming and affection mark the welcome offered by the unit to those who care for children with disabilities
This Sunday (11), a day dedicated to fathers, the Integrated Inclusion and Rehabilitation Center (CIIR), in Belém, pays tribute to those who, with love, commitment, and resilience, are fundamental in caring for their children with disabilities. The health unit of the Government of Pará, a reference in inclusion and rehabilitation, reaffirms its commitment to the well-being of the person, including users, companions, and staff of the institution, who share this journey.
The CIIR recognizes that behind each user, there are stories of affection and overcoming. The unit welcomes families, especially valuing those who often take on the mission of care alone.
Antônio de Carvalho, 53 years old, a single father and full-time caregiver of Antonhy Gabriel da Silva, 6 years old, has been accompanying the child, assisted by the unit for five years. Antônio follows all stages of his son's treatment, which includes physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, consultations, and exams.
“The satisfaction comes from the fact that my son is doing well, thank God. His progress is great. Before coming here, he couldn't even move his neck. Now, with the therapies and the excellent care he receives, he has developed a lot,” he states.
Antônio shares that, after leaving formal work due to a social benefit, he dedicated himself exclusively to his son, who lost his mother at a young age. "He no longer has a mother or relatives. He only counts on me. Therefore, taking care of him is a satisfaction. It is a mission I embrace with love. I wish other fathers would also dedicate themselves because only those who live this know what it means,” he informs.
Love that inspires - Another example of inspiring fatherhood is Eric Damasceno, 35 years old, a cleaner in the Hygiene and Cleaning Service (SHL) of the CIIR. An atypical father, he came to the institution as the guardian of his son, Natan Kaique, 7 years old, a user diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Later, he joined the team as an employee.
“I first arrived at CIIR in 2021 with my son, and we were very well received. The treatment brought significant changes for him and our entire family. Later, I joined as a collaborator, and I feel very happy to contribute to this environment that transforms lives,” highlights Eric.
In addition to ensuring the cleanliness of the spaces, he plays a role of listening and empathy with other parents facing the same journey. “We, who are parents of children with autism or other disabilities, understand the importance of affection and care. This love spreads and conquers hearts. I want to express my wish for a happy Father's Day to all who face, with courage and love, the challenges of atypical fatherhood,” he adds.
Protagonism – For the Assistant Director of CIIR, Maria do Carmo Freitas, Father's Day goes beyond celebration: it represents the recognition of the active, affectionate, and transformative presence of fathers in their children's rehabilitation.
She emphasizes that initiatives such as the Caregiver Attention Program (Proac) and the Parental Training value paternal protagonism by welcoming and involving fathers as fundamental partners in promoting health and the development of children.
“With each shared story and routine built with effort and love, we realize that our role goes beyond assistance. We are partners, support, and part of a network strengthened by affection and trust,” she emphasizes.
“This Father's Day, we celebrate those who, with courage and dedication, walk with us. Fathers who learn, teach, inspire, and make rehabilitation a daily act of love. You are essential!” emphasizes Maria do Carmo Freitas.
The institution, through its multidisciplinary team, reaffirms its commitment to person-centered care for those who make up the unit, welcoming, guiding, and supporting not only users but also parents and caregivers, as well as employees who, as parents of users, live and share experiences and journeys of overcoming, dignity, and inclusion.
Reference – The CIIR is a reference in Pará for medium and high complexity assistance to People with Disabilities (PwD) visual, physical, auditory, and intellectual. Access to services is made through referrals from health units, via the Municipal Regulation Center, which directs requests to State Regulation. The user's profile is analyzed by the State Regulation System (SER).
Service: The Integrated Inclusion and Rehabilitation Center is an agency of the Government of Pará managed by the National Institute of Social and Human Development (INDSH), in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa). The unit operates at Rodovia Arthur Bernardes, No. 1,000, in Belém. More information: (91) 4042-2157 /58 /59.
Text: Tarcísio Barbosa - Ascom/CIIR
