Side by Side Project
It was born from the desire to create a community that integrates people with disabilities and their families.
The Lado a Lado Project was born from the desire to create a community that integrates people with disabilities and their families , promoting contact with the land and strengthening future support networks. The project is based on an Alvarinho vineyard planted in 2024 in the parish of Bagunte, municipality of Vila do Conde, which becomes the center of this inclusive community .
The project is under development, and the vineyard planted in 2024 will be the heart of an inclusive community , ready to grow alongside the families and adults who will be part of it.
A story that inspired the project
The project stems from the story of Maria , affectionately nicknamed "Mariocas," a girl with a rare genetic alteration on the X chromosome . Her parents, Luís (a veterinarian) and Andreia (a family doctor), realized early on that they would need solutions to ensure Maria's development and inclusion throughout her life, especially in adulthood.
The experiences of families facing similar challenges, including encounters in the United States, showed that there was an urgent need to create support networks that include caregivers and promote social integration. This is how the Side by Side Project came about.
Vineyard as a place for inclusion
The Alvarinho vineyard is the core of the project:
- A place of inclusion and work , where adults with disabilities can participate in vineyard activities.
- A source of income for the association and, in the future, a basis for producing wine with a social impact.
- A space that promotes contact with nature , recognized as essential for the development and well-being of all participants.
The idea is to create a "family of families," with residential spaces and communal areas that allow for the integration of adults with special needs and their families.
Project Porpuses
- Building an inclusive community centered on the Alvarinho vineyard.
- To create a sustainable support network for adults with disabilities and their caregivers.
- To provide direct contact with nature and agricultural work as a form of personal and social development.
- To transform the project into a model of social integration and education , capable of being replicated in other regions.
Expected impact
The Side by Side Project combines social inclusion, education, and viticulture , creating a unique experience where:
- Active participation in the vineyard strengthens autonomy and confidence.
- Families find ongoing support and integration within the community.
- The connection to Alvarinho wine promotes the appreciation of the territory and local identity , linking tradition and social responsibility.
Lugar da Charneca, 4960-010 Alvaredo, Portugal
Phone: +351 251 416 769 (call to the national landline network)
Email: contact@soalheiro.com
Recruitment: rh@soalheiro.com
