Colombia is a country in South America with a population of over 50 million people. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and beautiful landscapes. In this article, we will explore common attitudes towards disability in Colombia, as well as discrimination and legislation issues related to disability. We will also look at public transport and building access for the disabled, and any lobbying or advocacy groups that exist in Colombia to support the disabled community.
Attitudes to Disability
Attitudes to disability in Colombia have been changing in recent years. The government has implemented policies to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities, and there is a growing recognition of the need to support and include people with disabilities in society. However, discrimination and stigma still exist, particularly in rural areas where there is less access to education and awareness programs.
There is also a lack of understanding and knowledge about disabilities, which can lead to exclusion and marginalization. People with disabilities often face barriers when accessing services such as education, employment, and healthcare. Many employers are also reluctant to hire people with disabilities, which can limit their opportunities and perpetuate a cycle of poverty.
Discrimination and Legislation
Colombia has made progress in terms of disability legislation, with the adoption of the Disability Law in 2013. This law guarantees the rights of people with disabilities to access education, healthcare, and employment, as well as providing for the creation of accessibility standards and the establishment of a National Disability System.
However, implementation of this law remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas where resources are limited. Discrimination against people with disabilities is still prevalent, particularly in the workplace, and there is a lack of understanding among employers about the rights of people with disabilities.
Public Transport and Building Access
Public transport in Colombia can be difficult for people with disabilities, particularly in rural areas where there are few accessible options. Many buses and trains do not have facilities for people with disabilities, and there are few accessible taxis or private transport options.
Building access for people with disabilities is also limited, particularly in older buildings which were not designed with accessibility in mind. There is a lack of ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets in many public buildings, which can make it difficult for people with disabilities to access services such as healthcare and education.
Lobbying and Advocacy Groups
There are a number of organizations in Colombia working to support the rights of people with disabilities. These include:
- Red de Discapacidad y Derechos Humanos – a network of disability organizations working to promote the rights of people with disabilities in Colombia. Contact details can be found on their website: http://www.reddiscapacidadcolombia.org/
- Fundación Saldarriaga Concha – a foundation working to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities in Colombia. Contact details can be found on their website: http://www.fundacionsaldarriagaconcha.org/
- Asdown Colombia – an organization working to support people with Down Syndrome and their families in Colombia. Contact details can be found on their website: http://asdowncolombia.org/
These organizations provide a range of services and support for people with disabilities, including advocacy, education, and employment support.
While attitudes to disability in Colombia are changing, discrimination and stigma still exist. The government has implemented policies to support people with disabilities, but implementation remains a challenge. Access to public transport and buildings can also be difficult for people with disabilities, particularly in rural areas. However, there are a number of advocacy groups working to support the rights of people with disabilities, and the situation is improving.