Co-creating New Regulations with Local Governments

After Fundación Discapacidad y Desarrollo had identified the needs of disabled people in the province of Loja together with with local organizations and representatives, some changes were implemented at the local level. One result of the legislation is that 480 people with disabilities have now set up small businesses

Problems Targeted

Although Ecuador has national laws protecting the rights of people with disabilities, these are often not implemented effectively at the local level, which leads to exclusion.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Fundación Discapacidad y Desarrollo engaged with local disabled persons’ organizations (DPOs) across four municipalities in the Loja province, and initial meetings and surveys indicated a need for new local disability legislation. The DPOs particularly highlighted issues regarding accessible buildings and transport, inclusion in health care and education, support to set up small businesses, and discounts on taxes. Fundación Discapacidad y Desarrollo coordinated further meetings with these organizations and local councillors, analysed international and national disability laws, and drafted proposed legislation, which was ultimately approved. The DPOs continue to disseminate information about the new legislation, monitor its implementation, and support people to access their rights. One result of the legislation is that 480 people with disabilities have now set up small businesses, such as raising pigs, making jams, and producing dairy products.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

This project was part of the broader MINKA programme of the Fundación Discapacidad y Desarrollo, which promotes greater inclusion of persons with disabilities, with a particular focus on health and education services. Between 2016 and 2018 the project cost $235,000 – including salaries, training, and meeting costs. Of this, 54 per cent was covered by CBM International, a Christian development organization committed to improving the quality of life of people with disabilities in the world’s poorest communities; and the other 46 per cent was provided by three of the four municipalities involved. Once legislation is passed, the costs of implementation are covered by the municipalities. There is significant potential to replicate the process in other areas in Ecuador, and in 2018 a similar process was initiated in two more municipalities, including one in a different province. Fundación Discapacidad y Desarrollo provides initial support, but a key part of the replication is that the DPOs from the four original municipalities are leading the expansion process.

Pictures

Voting on the articles of the local law on disabilities in the municipality of Espi´ndola.

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THE STORY OF PATRICIO, BENEFICIARY OF THE MINKA PROJECT

“ Now I am raising pigs and getting support for it from the municipality.”

“ Now I am raising pigs and getting support for it from the municipality.”