Standards for physical accessibility

Between 2009 and 2015 seven laws and decrees have been passed in support of persons with disabilities. Law 4.934/13, for example, mandates that all public and private spaces must be accessible to people with disabilities. The private sector is incentivised by fiscal benefits rather than obligations.

Physical accessibility standards in Paraguay were significantly improved with the passage of seven new laws and decrees between 2009 and 2015. The Education Ministry, the National Standardization Institute, and the National University’s School of Architecture jointly defined standards for physical accessibility; and with additional guidance and support from the Saraki Foundation and the US Agency for International Development, legislative and regulatory reforms, communication campaigns, and training were initiated to raise awareness on the elimination of accessibility barriers and to promote accessibility in civic participation, education, and the labour market.

Problems Targeted

There is a lack of physical accessibility in private and public buildings, sidewalks, public transportation, schools, and polling stations in Paraguay. Additionally, there are attitudinal barriers to inclusion, such as the lack of awareness as to the rights of people with disabilities and the lack of employment opportunities.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The core project is funded by USAID, through a grant to the Saraki Foundation, whereas the Government of Paraguay and the private sector finance the specific accessibility measures. The government also funds accessibility reforms in public schools/buildings and polling stations. Private schools and companies fund their own accessibility measures, as mandated by the law. Saraki believes that some of the activities can be replicated through regional networks like the Latin-American Regional Inclusive Education Network.