>> GENERAL INFORMATION

Contents What is WCPT What is the European Region of WCPT Some Useful Information »» What is WCPT?   The World Confederation for Physical Therapy (WCPT) is a non-profit organisation founded in 1951, supported by subscriptions from its 82 member organisations. The confederation represents over 225,000 physical therapists worldwide. Member organisations are organised into five regional groupings: Africa; Asia Western Pacific; Europe; North America Caribbean; South America. WCPT aims to improve global healthcare by: representing physical therapy and physical therapists internationally collaborating with international and national organisations encouraging high standards of physical therapy research, education and practice supporting communication and exchange of information among regions and member organisations of WCPT WCPT recognises Subgroups that have a specific area of interest and are important international physical therapy organisations in their own right. They promote the advancement of physical therapy in their field, and are organised to exchange scientific knowledge. International Acupuncture Association of Physical Therapists (IAAPT) International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Therapists (IFOMT) International Organisation of Physical Therapists in Women's Health (IOPTWH) International Private Practitioners Association (IPPA) International Federation of Sports Physiotherapy (IFSP) If you want to know more about WCPT, please visit: www.wcpt.org or send a mail to: info@wcpt.org.   [ Top ] »» What is the European Region of WCPT?   It is one of the five Regions of the WCPT – the World Confederation for Physical Therapy. The EUROPEAN REGION of WCPT was established through a merger of the WCPT Europe (European Region of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy) and the SLCP (Standing Liaison Committee of Physiotherapists in the EU) in September 1998. The aims and the objectives of the SLCP were to maintain the interest of physiotherapists in the European Union through different means. The aims and objectives of the WCPT Europe were to act as the region of the WCPT in all matters that could promote the regional interests of the WCPT.   The reason for the merger was a wish to co-ordinate the efforts and use the available resources in only one joint organisation to the benefit of the physiotherapy associations and professions of Europe.The EUROPEAN REGION OF WCPT is a European non-profit non-governmental organisation, that includes 35 professional associations of physiotherapists, from 35 European countries.   The specific aims and objectives of the EUROPEAN REGION OF WCPT are: To promote the development of physiotherapy, reciprocity of physiotherapy qualifications and to improve the quality of physiotherapy education and practice in Europe. To promote physiotherapy in Europe and to oversee all matters dealing with physiotherapy. To promote free movement and the right of establishment of physiotherapists in Europe. To establish closer co-operation among the national physiotherapy associations of the region in all professional matters in the interest of improved general health of the population of the region. To co-operate with international organisations in Europe to promote the EUROPEAN REGION OF WCPT aims and objectives. To represent the interests of and speak for its Member Organisations to all European Authorities. To develop policies for proposition to the Executive Committee and General Meeting of the WCPT. To represent the profession of physiotherapy on regional basis in consultation with the Executive Committee or as delegated by the Executive Committee of the WCPT. The Congress will be focused on the European situation, but contributions from other continents are strongly welcomed. Many problems are global, and it will be very useful to share experiences and perspectives.   If you want to know more about the European Region of WCPT, and its activities, please visit: www.physio-europe.org or send a mail to: euro.physio@wanadoo.be   General Secretary - DAVID GORRIA Tel.: +32 2 743 8232 Fax: +32 2 736 8251 [ Top ] »» Some Useful Information   Portugal is situated in the most western part of Europe. It covers an area of 200.000 square kilometers and has a population of approx. 10 million people. It was founded as an independent kingdom in the Peninsula more than eight centuries ago. Lisbon is the capital of the country. The history of the city goes to the times of the Phoenicians, then the Greeks and after them the Romans. Later in time, came the Barbarian peoples of the North and finally the Arabs. In 1147, the first king of Portugal conquered the city to the moors with the help of the Crusaders, after a four-month siege. And this was as how Lisbon became a Christian Capital. From that days until now, Lisbon keeps on growing and developing. Nowadays it is a modern city, wealth of historic monuments and museums with a warm and friendly atmosphere, moderate climate and full of hospitality, which is well worth to visit.   Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).   Language: Portugal is a Latin speaking country and Portuguese is the official language.  However, many Portuguese understand Spanish, French or English.   Climate and clothing: Lisbon has an Atlantic moderate climate. There are no great variations in temperature. The weather in November is usually nice (average 15 to 20ºC) but sometimes rainy. Light clothing would be appropriate and warm cloth for the night is advisable. Also do not forget your umbrella.   Passport and Visa: Nationals of the European Community only require a valid identity card. For the most of the countries a valid passport is enough.   Currency: The € (Euro) is the currency in use in Portugal. Conversion rates   Banking: Bank services are available at the Airport and the vicinities of the venue - working hours: 08.30 - 15.00 non-stop. The city is also full of machines where participants may cash Euros.   Credit Cards: Standard international cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and most of the shops, as well as car rental agencies. The most common credit cards are VISA, EUROCARD, MasterCard, and AMERICAN EXPRESS. Diners Club is not common.   Airport: Lisbon has a modern airport that is close to the center of the city. Taxis are not expensive and take a maximum of 4 (four) persons. To make your travelling easier from the airport (Lisbon) to Estoril by taxi, we have the following information: At the airport, there is a stand called “TURISMO DE LISBOA” (it is open from 07.00 to 24.00) where you can buy taxi vouchers for the following fixed prices: 40,00 Euros during the day; 42,00 Euros from 21.00. If you need to catch a taxi at the airport, it is preferable to buy the taxi voucher as the price is fixed; if you take a regular taxi, the price might be much more expensive than these. Note that the vouchers can not be bought previously, they have to be purchased on the spot.   Electricity : 220V/50Hz. Power socket “Shucko type” (2 pin round).   [ Top ]

Portuguese Association of Physiotherapists