Visit to Buenos Aires

April, 2025 | Argentina

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This trip was specially prepared to meet the "Down Syndrome Association of the Argentine Republic" (ASDRA), with whom we have worked in different instances since 2021. This institution, with 35 years of experience, benefits hundreds of families in that country and our visit was received by its then Executive Director, Pedro Crespi, together with one of its directors and representatives Marcelo Varela, where we were able to share a pleasant conversation about the history, the projection and the common points that unite both institutions, always with an eye on the value of the inclusion of people with cognitive disabilities.

Enriching the trip, we had the privilege of visiting the first restaurant in Argentina where neurodiverse young people cook and serve. An initiative that, without a doubt, inspires and fills each client with joy. "Alamesa Resto" was created by the infectious disease specialist Fernando Polak, inspired by his daughter, with the aim of "living life and not talking about life, of living like any other person, of having a social life." A very well-designed project, where 40 young people with disabilities work today, who have had a unique experience in their lives since their two-year preparation and the opening of the restaurant in February 2024.

One of the important purposes of this trip was also to invite them to participate in the fourth version of the “International Arts and Poems Competition”, which this year will be held at the Coral Gables headquarters, in the context of the celebration of the city's 100th anniversary.