Coimbra's 96 Decibels play and activists redefine disability inclusion
A new stage play in Coimbra is bringing inclusion to the spotlight. 96 Decibels tells a love story with a cast that includes actors with disabilities, such as Vasco Seromenho, a deaf performer. Meanwhile, social media has become a powerful tool for people like ägelo Matos, Catarina Oliveira and Andreia de Vasconcellos to share their experiences and push for greater awareness. The play 96 Decibels is currently running in Coimbra with a cast that breaks barriers. Among the four main characters is Vasco Seromenho, a deaf actor contributing to the production's focus on accessibility and representation.
For many with physical or sensory impairments, digital platforms serve a vital role beyond simple sharing. ägelo Matos, a 25-year-old motivational speaker and actor born without arms or legs, turned to social media during the pandemic. He now uses his accounts—with over 21,000 Instagram followers and 35,000 on TikTok—to teach sign language and educate the public. Catarina Oliveira, a wheelchair user, has built a following of 100,000 on Instagram. Her posts often address accessibility issues and call out inappropriate behaviour towards people with disabilities. Similarly, Andreia de Vasconcellos, another advocate, has amassed over 96,000 followers across platforms. One of her videos, discussing her son's experiences with bullying, has been viewed more than 4 million times. While exact numbers remain unclear, these creators are part of a growing movement in Portugal. Their work highlights the importance of digital spaces in fostering inclusion and spreading information.
The success of 96 Decibels and the reach of activists like Matos, Oliveira and de Vasconcellos show how representation is evolving. Through theatre and social media, they are changing perceptions and making their voices heard. Their efforts continue to create opportunities for others with similar challenges.
