Five years after the creation of Valor T, higher education institutions, employers and graduates with disabilities came together, for the first time at national level, to take stock of the progress made within the framework of the Valor T HEI Network, as well as of what still remains to be done. NOVA, which has been part of this network since its creation in 2024, was also present at the initiative, held on Thursday, 7 May.
The University was represented by the Vice-Rector for Quality, Teaching and Academic Life, Professor Emília Monteiro, at the opening session, which also included interventions by Paulo Sousa, Ombudsman of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, and the Secretary of State for Higher Education, Cláudia Sarrico.
In her address, the Secretary of State highlighted the progress achieved in recent years: since the 2017/18 academic year, the number of students with specific educational needs (SEN) in higher education has quadrupled. This growth has been accompanied by an increase in the number of graduates and a lower dropout rate. Even so, she made it clear that “there is still a significant path ahead”.
The meeting continued with a presentation of the work carried out by the Valor T Network across the country, led by Vanda Nunes, Director of Valor T, followed by a roundtable discussion that brought together different perspectives, including graduates with disabilities, leaders of higher education institutions and employers. The discussion focused on the challenges that continue to shape academic and professional paths and on the importance of recognising and valuing the talent of people with disabilities.
This first national meeting was also marked by the integration of nine new higher education institutions into the Valor T IES Network, expanding the initiative’s reach and impact nationwide.
Valuing talent and promoting inclusion
Created by the Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa, Valor T is an employability agency for people with disabilities that has established itself as a reference in promoting inclusion in the labour market, with a strong focus on valuing talent and creating concrete opportunities.
Within the scope of this partnership, NOVA has been developing annual action plans focused on raising awareness within the academic community, on training and capacity building, as well as on promoting the Valor T Platform across the university community. These initiatives are supported by the Equality and Inclusion Office of the Rectorate and contribute to strengthening a more inclusive institutional culture.
NOVA reaffirms its commitment to developing specific responses aimed at students and alumni with disabilities, supporting their employability and professional development.
The NOVA community is invited to explore the Valor T Platform and the job opportunities available.