According to UN data, about 10% of the world’s population has some kind of disability, representing approximately 650 million people.
Today, December 3, is celebrated the International Day of People with Disabilities. The date, instituted by the United Nations (UN) in 1992, aims to encourage reflection on the rights of people with disabilities in society.
According to UN data, about 10% of the world’s population has some kind of disability, representing approximately 650 million people. According to the last Census of the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), there are about 46 million people with disabilities in Brazil, corresponding to 24% of the population.
Disabilities can be auditory, intellectual, physical, visual, or multiple. We can highlight some names that make a difference in the world, such as: Daniel Dias, the greatest Paralympic medalist in Brazil; Dudu do Cavaco, Mano Down, musician with Down syndrome; Fernanda Honorato, the first reporter with Down syndrome in the world; Giant Leo, actor and dwarf comedian; Ivan Baron, who has cerebral palsy and is one of the leading digital inclusion influencers in the country; Kitana Dreams, Drag Queen and deaf digital influencer; Mara Gabrilli, the first quadriplegic senator in Brazil; Maycon Calasancio, Brazil’s first deaf dancer; Terezinha Guilhermina, a Paralympic athlete who was once considered one of the fastest women on the planet.
People with disabilities cannot be excluded or denied access to any service.
The date calls attention to the defense of rights and the importance of the acquired rights being fulfilled. In force since 2016, the Brazilian Inclusion Law (LBI) ensures that people with and without disabilities have the opportunity to live with each other equally, breaking attitudinal barriers and thus minimizing prejudice.
People with disabilities cannot be excluded or denied access to any service. Like any citizen, they have the right to regular school with the proper support and adaptation of materials for their development, and not paying extra fees.
People with disabilities not only can but should work, whenever possible. This is what Law No. 8,213 provides, which establishes the inclusion of professionals with disabilities in the labor market.
People with disabilities are also entitled to free public transport and the Free Pass to travel to other Brazilian states
Companies hire through quotas stipulated according to the number of employees they have. It is also ensured by law that people with disabilities have access to professional training courses, both in public and private institutions, to integrate them into society.
People with disabilities are also entitled to free public transport and the Free Pass to travel to other Brazilian states. They are also entitled to receive the Continuous Installment Benefit (BCP), in the amount of a monthly minimum wage, if it is within the specific conditions of Federal Law No. 8,742 of 12/07/1993.
This article was originally written in Portuguese by Juliana Reis de Sá, co-founder of Portal Acesse, The greatest portal on inclusion and accessibility in Brazil.
To read this article in Portuguese, click here.
