In Latin America and the Caribbean, over 80 million people live with some form of disability, experiencing greater vulnerability than the rest of the population. This represents nearly 15% of the region’s population.
In this context, disability certification emerges as a key tool to ensure inclusion. In this blog post, written for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we explore the vulnerabilities faced by people with disabilities and the benefits of certification. We also highlight Panama’s example.
Why Obtain a Disability Certification?
People with disabilities face higher poverty rates compared to the general population, partly due to high costs associated with healthcare, technical support, and transportation, as well as lower workforce participation. Data from Mexico, Chile, Costa Rica, and Bolivia show that poverty rates in households with members with disabilities are 5 to 15 percentage points higher than in other households.
Moreover, they encounter barriers in accessing healthcare, education, and work. According to the Pan American Health Organization, less than 3% of this population accesses rehabilitation services due to limited infrastructure and a lack of trained personnel.
In the labor market, studies have shown mixed results for inclusion quotas, as compliance sometimes only involves reclassifying existing employees rather than significantly increasing new hires of people with disabilities.
In this context, certification helps people with disabilities exercise their rights, obtain legal protection, and access services that ensure inclusion.
In the realm of social protection, certification standardizes disability assessments, facilitating transitions between programs without the need to repeat administrative processes to access services. This paves the way for services and benefits essential for true inclusion.
In the health sector, this certification grants access to rehabilitation programs and specialized care tailored to individual needs.
In education and employment, certification promotes environmental adaptations according to individual needs, removing barriers and fostering equal opportunities for all.
The Case of Panama: Disability Certification and Inclusion Policies
Panama is a standout example in the region, expanding disability certification coverage through the Social Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities, supported by the IDB. This program aims to enhance the state’s ability to identify and respond to the needs of people with disabilities, improving the coverage and quality of health, education, and personal autonomy support services. Since its launch in 2014, the certification system has become a cornerstone of inclusion, ensuring access to social protection policies and resources.
Panama’s certification system aligns with the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, applying a biopsychosocial approach and being managed by the National Disability Secretariat (SENADIS).
Until 2019, the system had reached only 2.1% of the population with disabilities, largely due to infrastructure and resource limitations. However, over the past five years, thanks to reforms including decentralization and digital transformation, certification coverage has doubled.
SENADIS decentralized the certification process, making it accessible to people with disabilities nationwide. Additionally, seven of its ten regional offices were renovated to enhance accessibility, and they were equipped with private certification rooms, technology, and connectivity to access the RENACER information system.
This information system was also upgraded with features that streamline evaluation boards, appointment scheduling, and the issuance and printing of certification cards, including georeferencing.
The digital transformation included developing a mobile app, enabling individuals to access their disability card digitally and present it to businesses using a QR code.
For disability certification to have a real impact, governments, organizations, and civil society must work together to ensure access to services and opportunities for all individuals with disabilities. This involves implementing sustainable public policies and creating accessible environments. Panama’s example demonstrates that progress in certification and inclusion is possible with a multisectoral approach and the use of adaptive technologies.
On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we highlight certification’s importance as a tool for promoting equal opportunities. However, it is only one piece of a broader set of actions required to achieve inclusion. While certification opens doors, its impact depends on the context in which it is implemented. Without a cultural shift that eliminates exclusionary and discriminatory attitudes, simply certifying a disability does not guarantee real inclusion. On this day, the true call to action is to challenge and transform our culture toward one that values and respects diversity in all its forms.
Leave a Reply