Little people football seeks visibility
Two teams of people with dwarfism played a closely contested soccer match on the sports court at Reatech 2023. The initiative is from the National Institute of Dwarfism, a partner of the event, which saw an opportunity to give visibility to the sport that is still in its infancy in Brazil and suffers from a lack of sponsorship and infrastructure.
Fernando Vigui, leader of the Nanismo Brasil movement, which offers support to adults with dwarfism, recalls that it all started as a joke. “Like every Brazilian, I've always liked to kick a ball around and, together with friends, I decided to form a group for us to play.”.
The movement grew and small tournaments began to emerge. “Today we already have the Brazilian Dwarfism Championship and the Brazilian National Team will participate in the World Cup that will take place in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between November 4 and 14,” he states.
Dwarf football is part of the BRASA Project, initiated in 2017 in Rio de Janeiro. Previously, the program focused on football as a tool for inclusion. This year, the BRASA Project expanded and ABEN – Brazilian Association of Sports for People with Dwarfism was created, which includes, in addition to football, other parasports modalities.
National team player Simon Pacheco talks about the difficulty of participating in championships due to a lack of support and sponsorship. But he guarantees that the goal is to achieve the inclusion of dwarfism football in the Paralympics. “We want the International Paralympic Committee to recognize the sport and include it in the next edition,” he states.
Animal therapy spaces attract large crowds and move Reatech visitors
With tears in their eyes, many mothers, family members, and friends welcome the people coming out of the Equine-assisted Therapy demonstration area, where they have the opportunity to ride a horse. Keity Santana, 28, who is blind, said she was very moved by the experience. “It feels like you're floating,” she describes, praising the fair's activities. “I'm really enjoying this edition. I've already visited booths with 3D printing, with Braille toys. It's been a very good experience.”
For Alessandra Ferraz, 42, it was the second time she had ever ridden a horse. “I’ve had my leg amputated for 13 years, and since then, I had only ridden once, but still without the prosthesis I use today. This second time was much more interesting, a different feeling, with a lot more security,” she evaluates. “I come to Reatech every year and I’m finding this edition very dynamic and even more accessible. It’s quite easy to get around and the lines are moving very fast.”
The Equitherapy space is next to the Little Farm, another area where the public can interact with various animals. Both are organized by GATI (Integrated and Therapeutic Approach Group). The chance to see her 4-year-old daughter interact with animals such as rabbits, tortoises, dogs, and guinea pigs, among others, also moved Sandra Rocha, mother of Kivya, a child with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). “The experience at the little farm was great, because she loves animals and was able to play with the dogs and the rabbits,” Rocha explains. “Her reaction to the animals was beautiful; she felt super comfortable. I can only thank you for this event, which shows that the world is looking out for our atypical children, and we really need this support.”
Extremely excited, 8-year-old Luis Gustavo, also with ASD, rushes to say that the animals he liked the most were the rabbit, the tortoise, and the dogs. His mother, Simônica Correia, describes the experience as wonderful. “Everyone is very kind and the animals are very docile and loving. They are animals that help a lot with therapy. It’s my first time at Reatech and the fair is fantastic, with a lot of technology and new products. I am loving it and he is very excited, very curious to see everything.”
The success of the animal therapy spaces was reinforced by Liana Pires, director of GATI Equitherapy and representative of ANDE (National Association of Equitherapy). “In just one day, we registered over 650 people visiting the two spaces. My impression is that this year the fair exceeded expectations.”.
ICOM app makes daily life easier for deaf people
O ICOM it is the country's main digital platform for simultaneous LIBRAS translation developed by AME, which helps deaf people communicate with hearing people, that is, people who are not deaf. “Imagine a person who arrives at any establishment, for example a notary's office, bank, or hospital, and there is no one who knows LIBRAS signs,” says Caio Godoi, commercial director of ICOM. Therefore, the services provided by ICOM have been reaching more and more companies, such as the UBS and UPAs – Emergency Care Units of the City of São Paulo.
Godoi explains that it is very easy to use the application. “The deaf person arrives at the establishment and scans a QR Code with their cell phone, and it immediately appears on their screen, with a response time of up to 90 seconds for the sign language interpreter to make a visual connection with the deaf person. From this interaction, our support team is able to capture the audio, in real time, and convey the instructions. It's simultaneous communication.”.
Thus, the platform offers more autonomy to this audience, making their daily lives easier, including in leisure situations. “If a person wants to buy a hot dog or meet a friend somewhere,” explains Godoi. Just download the app for free on Google Play or the Apple Store. The service is paid for by ICOM's partner company.
To expand the app's user network, ICOM has been partnering with companies and public agencies. “Although ICOM is quite well known, with a base of over 150,000 registered deaf people, we still have more than 3 million deaf people in Brazil. That is why being at Reatech is important to present our services, as many people still do not know them,” says Godoi.
Assistive technology ensures a better quality of life
In the current scenario, new technologies have played a fundamental role in the lives of people with problems caused mainly by accidents, providing significant advances in the field of rehabilitation. Through surprising innovations, individuals who previously faced major challenges now have access to solutions that expand their abilities and improve their quality of life.
The conclusion is from the physical therapist, Ana Karla Pedrosa, who spoke about New Perspectives of Assistive Technology in Neurofunctional Physical Therapy, during Tecfisio/TO – Seminar on Advanced Technologies in Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, curated by Crefito 3. “Some time ago, a person who had suffered a stroke would possibly remain confined at home. But today, technology has made it possible for them to reintegrate into society and have a more active life,” he said.
In addition to exoskeletons, smart prosthetics have been revolutionizing the lives of amputees. Equipped with advanced sensors and control systems, these prosthetics are capable of replicating the movements of the missing limb in a more natural way. Some prosthetics even allow connection to the user's nerves, providing greater sensitivity and tactile perception.
“Technologies complement therapy by facilitating the safe simulation of real-life situations, such as virtual and augmented reality. Special glasses and canes also assist patients with Parkinson's and mobility issues, Ana Karla analyzes.
Service:
Reatech 2023 – International Fair of Technologies for Rehabilitation, Inclusion and Accessibility
October 4 to 7
Hours: from 1 PM to 8 PM on the 4th, 5th, and 6th; from 10 AM to 7 PM on the 7th
Location: São Paulo Expo – Pavilions 3 and 4
Address: Rodovia dos Imigrantes, 1.5 km – Vila Água Funda, São Paulo – SP
Free transport starting from 1 hour before until 1 hour after the street market's operating hours. Departure from Santos-Imigrantes Subway Station – R. Engenheiro Guilherme Winter, s/n.
More information in this link.
Access photo gallery here
About Fiera Milano Brasil
Fiera Milano Brasil it is Brazilian subsidiary of Fiera Milano, one of the world's largest trade fair and congress players, which each year attracts approximately 30,000 exhibitors and more than five million visitors. In Brazil, there are seven fairs representing the most diverse segments of the economy, such as security, clean and renewable energies, pipes and fittings, cables, occupational health, rehabilitation technologies, inclusion and accessibility, among others. Among the main brands in the portfolio are Exposec, Fisp, Fire Show, Congresso Ecoenergy, Reatech, Tubotech and Wire South America. More information: www.fieramilanobrasil.com.br
Press Information
2PRÓ Comunicação
Myrian Vallone | Teresa Silva
Team email: fieramilano@2pro.com.br
11-3030-9463 |3030-9404 | 99228-7836
