CAF and inclusion
People with disabilities have the right to live independently and be included in the community, according to Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This means living autonomously, making their own decisions—not necessarily in isolation, but with the necessary supports. However, many people with disabilities in our region face restrictions on their autonomy, either through institutionalization or a lack of freedom in their homes, exacerbated by negative cultural perceptions that associate them with illness and deficiency.
There are various strategies to reverse this. One of them is cultural, aiming to change mindsets and attitudes, and to break down myths and prejudices. In this regard, the present project aims to raise awareness through a campaign, with the ultimate goal of contributing to a cultural shift in how people with disabilities in general—and people with intellectual disabilities in particular—are perceived in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The campaign seeks to raise societal awareness about the rights and dignity of people with disabilities, combating stereotypes and promoting a positive image of their abilities and contributions. The inspiration comes from movements like WeThe15, which uses sports to foster inclusion and change attitudes toward people with disabilities. In our region, sports is a universal language that can unite and convey values of perseverance, teamwork, and discipline. The campaign will use sports as a channel to showcase people with disabilities as dynamic and autonomous individuals, capable of excelling in their disciplines.
The opportunity arises with the 4th Special Olympics Latin American Regional Games in Asunción, Paraguay, in October 2024, where more than 1,000 athletes from 20 Latin American countries will participate. This event will be a platform to highlight the capabilities of people with intellectual disabilities and promote their inclusion in society. The campaign aims to position CAF as a regional ally in disability and social inclusion, promote inclusive public policies, and empower the 15% of the population with disabilities in the region.
The project aligns with CAF’s Transversal and Mission Agendas, promoting equal opportunities and inclusive social well-being. The campaign will include messages like “Talk to me, ask me, look at me,” led by people with intellectual disabilities, to challenge existing prejudices. A creative concept will be developed inspired by Latin American independence struggles, emphasizing that people with disabilities are still fighting for basic rights such as marriage, voting, and independent living.