Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair transforms lives and generates income for atypical families
Inclusion and creativity mark the 31st edition of the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair, an initiative by Sespa to strengthen the protagonism of families
Since 2020, the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair, promoted by the State Secretariat of Public Health of Pará (Sespa), through the State Coordination of Policies for Autism (Cepa), has been transforming the lives of families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Created in the same year that Cepa was established, the fair started as a sporadic action, but from 2022, it has consolidated as a fixed public policy and continues to open pathways for productive inclusion, visibility, and strengthening of the creative economy.
The initiative has already held 30 editions and returns this weekend, from June 8 to 9, with a special program in a June festival atmosphere. With an average of 10 exhibitors per edition and about 250 registered entrepreneurs, the fair has already generated approximately R$ 300 thousand in business — essential resources to enhance the autonomy and quality of life of people with ASD and their families.
The State Coordination of Policies for Autism emphasizes that the fair is also a space for discovery and enchantment for the public. Books, handmade sweets, educational toys, jewelry, personalized items, and other products are sold at the stalls. All results from the creativity and persistence of those who had to reinvent themselves in the face of the limitations imposed by the traditional job market. It is the creative economy as a concrete tool for inclusion and citizenship.
“The balance is highly positive. The fair has grown from a punctual action to a permanent public policy that integrates the agenda of the Coordination. It is a collective achievement that generates concrete social impact by promoting inclusion, income, and self-esteem for dozens of families,” evaluates Josicléa Taise Mendonça Demétrio, social worker at Cepa and one of the people responsible for organizing the event.
With each edition, stories of overcoming gain space and inspire the public. One of these stories is that of Letícia Lobato de Lima, mother of Daniel, now 14 years old. “The desire to teach him to read and write made me create adapted materials. I realized that he could learn while playing with playful resources. That’s how it all started,” recalls Letícia.
Over time, other parents and professionals began to order the products, and the fair was the springboard to expand its reach. “The fair gave me visibility. Today I participate in other fairs and I am grateful for this space that allows us to grow for free and with dignity,” says mother Letícia Lima.
Carlos Farache is the father of Pedro Miguel, 3 years old. With a booth full of books and educational toys, he believes in the power of education and information to promote inclusion. “The fair provides methods and technologies for social re-education. When someone asks for my contact to buy the books, I feel that I am helping to transform people's views on autism,” he highlights. For him, participation in the event is also a source of learning and connection. "Sharing experiences with other families is enriching. And, of course, the extra income also helps with the care of our son,” adds Carlos.
The State Secretary of Public Health (Sespa), Ivete Vaz, reinforces the importance of the initiative as an instrument of citizenship. “The fair is a symbol of the inclusion policy we want to consolidate in Pará. By recognizing the productive potential of people with autism and their families, we show that inclusion is not charity, it is social justice. We are building a more empathetic, stronger, and more humane society,” she states.
For the State Coordination of Policies for Autism, the impact of the fair goes beyond the economic aspect. “It promotes protagonism and breaks stigmas. With each edition, we help to transform society's view, showing that people with ASD have talents, creativity, and much to contribute to the world,” concludes Josicléa Demétrio.
Service:
31st Inclusive Entrepreneurship Fair – June Edition
Date: June 7 and 8, 2025 (Saturday and Sunday)
Time: From 4 PM to 9 PM
Location: Porto Futuro Park, on Belém Street, in the Reduto neighborhood, in Belém.
