Every December 3rd, the International Day of People with Disabilities is celebrated. and, within the framework of this commemoration, the head of Government, Jorge Macri, and the vice-chief, Clara Muzzioheld an event at the Teatro Colón to announce the first Comprehensive Plan for People with Disabilities. “We want all Buenos Aires residents to grow, progress with freedom and autonomy. Let them build an independent life. “Everyone,” Macri stated at the opening of the event.
In this way, the head of Government stated that “We have to put this issue on the table no matter how uncomfortable it may be.“. “Many times we are ashamed, afraid, we do not know how to refer to the subject. Well, we simply have to talk about it,” he stressed.
During his speech, Macri shared his personal story with the audience: “I personally have a disability. I wasn’t born with it or yes, science doesn’t know how to answer it yet, but I discovered it when I was older. Almost all my life I refused to tell it.”
“I walk poorly due to a disability that forces me to have a valve that supports my foot. It is a peripheral neuropathy. But I discovered it when I grew up and here I am, head of Government,” the official continued.
“It seems to me that it is necessary that we talk about these things. Because that is the first step. There are physical barriers, there are barriers in employment, but the first barrier is that we connect, that we dare to talk about the subject, that we look each other in the eye.s”, concluded the head of Government.
For his part, Muzzio assured that “about 50% of disabilities are acquired“and added that “if we live long enough, we will surely have some.” “Disability, far from being an individual issue, is everyone’s issue.”
“Disability is not a local issue either. It is estimated that there are 1.3 billion people with some disability in the world. That’s 16% of the world’s population.“, deepened the vice head of Government.
In this sense, Muzzio explained that the comprehensive plan includes 3 specific axes: universal accessibility, training, well-being and recreation and employment and independent living.
“When we talk about universal accessibility we are not just talking about physical accessibilitybut also to information. The first thing we did and continue to do is improve the data in the city. The only way to develop effective policies is to have information, know our population and be able to measure each of the programs that we develop. “It is not only about improving the information with which we make decisions, but also access to the information that people with disabilities and their families need,” he explained.
Along these lines, the deputy head of government assured that they are working on an application that will be ready on December 12. As detailed by the official, it will have “all the information about the programs, services, regulations and procedures that people with disabilities and their families can carry out.”
Finally – and before telling in detail the measures that will be carried out – Muzzio also pointed out against the procedure to obtain the Single Disability Certificate: “It is so difficult to do it that in CABA 42% of people with disabilities do not have it“he concluded.
Universal accessibility for people with disabilities
The first axis of the Buenos Aires government’s plan is based on the development of an application with all the information about GCBA programs, services, regulations, benefits and procedures. In addition to this, a collaborative map of accessible places with restaurants, theaters and recreational spaces in the city.
On the other hand, we will seek to facilitate the obtaining the CUDa topic highly requested by families. Obtaining the CUD is usually very cumbersome, so the plan seeks optimize care and accompaniment to people with disabilities and their families throughout the entire process.
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Another important axis is the accessibility in the city. Although work is being done on the construction of ramps and sidewalk arrangements, there are still certain limitations that are expected to be resolved. In addition, it is expected that all means of transport that make up the city network will be accessible. This includes both stations and stops for buses, trains, subways and transfer centers.
Training, well-being and recreation
Both in the preview and at the event at the Teatro Colón, Muzzio emphasized that the special schools They won’t close. On the contrary, He clarified that they are very necessary.
Regarding education, the strengthening and equitable access at all levels and modalities, so that each family finds the vacancy that best suits their needs.
At the same time, the first public center specialized in education and rehabilitation in the south of the City by 2027. Although it will be open to all citizens, the south of CABA is where the most people with disability there are and where more resources are needed.
Employment and independent living
The last axis of the Buenos Aires government project has to do with employment and the development of an independent life. According to Muzzio, currently “in the city there are almost 100,000 people with disabilities who are able to work. And only 15% found work.”
For this reason, the Buenos Aires government maintained that it will promote the generation of jobs in the private sector for disabled people. He will be the one who will connect job seekers with companies.
Furthermore, it raises the ABL exemption for businesses and services that they have a minimum staffing of 50% of staff with disabilities. Rehabilitation, preventive, therapeutic, educational and/or care centers and almost 50 special schools will also be included.
Besides, 50% of Gross Income will be deducted for businesses that employ people with disabilities on the employer contributions paid. Finally, there will be a 50% bonus on gross income for disabled and exemption from paying license fees will be guaranteed for vehicles that exclusively transport disabled people.
Source: Ambito
