The Abertis Foundation today received a 2015 Stela Awards for its commitment to the workplace integration of people with Down’s Syndrome and other disabilities. These awards are conferred by the Down’s Syndrome Foundation of Madrid.

The award was accepted on behalf of the Abertis Foundation by Juanjo Barragán, an adminis-trative assistant at the Abertis Group’s offices in Madrid (Paseo de la Castellana, 49), and Juan Manuel Baños and Rebeca Pérez, who are both Abertis Foundation road assistants. They were accompanied by Ricard Fornesa, project director of the Abertis Foundation.

The Abertis Foundation’s road assistants help children to reach their schools in Madrid and Barcelona involved in this project more safely, in this way providing support to families and the police. The Abertis Foundation employs a total of 31 people with Down’s Syndrome or other disabilities.

The Stela Programme is an initiative of the Down’s Syndrome Foundation of Madrid, which was established in 1995 with the aim of promoting and facilitating the social and workplace integration of people with Down’s Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, using Supported Employment methodology to ensure their full integration in our society. This year a total of 30 companies employed 49 people. 

Abertis Foundation

The Abertis Foundation is active in three key spheres (social, cultural and environmental), and works to mitigate the impact of the Abertis Group’s activity in the countries in which it operates. Its commitment to society is highlighted by an extensive road safety programme primari-ly targeting the most vulnerable drivers and pedestrians. The Abertis Foundation’s activities in the area of culture involve partnerships with leading cultural institutions around the world. Regarding environmental protection, its Castellet Castle headquarters are a UNESCO Centre on Mediterranean Biosphere Reserves.

The Down’s Syndrome Foundation of Madrid

The Down’s Syndrome Foundation of Madrid is a non-profit organisation promoting activities that aim to achieve the full family, educational, workplace and social integration of people with Down’s Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities, thereby improving their life quality. The Foundation always works in close partnership with the beneficiaries of its activities and their families.