Mexico Makes Special Education Mandatory & Recognizes Sign Language
With information from Nathalie Domínguez, Disnnet
Mexico has recently approved a new law which specifically addresses the rights of persons with disabilities in areas of health, rehabilitation, employment, training, education, technical aids, accessibility, transportation, telecommunications, housing, social and legal assistance, arts and culture.
From now on special education is mandatory for persons with disability whose conditions indicate that they cannot benefit from regular education. The new law recognizes Sign Language as an official language in the nation. This will promote training courses so deaf persons will have interpreters at institutions where public services are provided and major improvements will be made to the National Sub System of Bilingual Education for deaf persons.
Absolute majority
This law was passed by 369 votes in favor, no votes against and 4 abstentions by the Mexican Parliament. This new law also focuses on the situation of persons with disability who have specific difficulties entering mainstream education, work or social programs. The legislation also considers prevention of causes of physical, intellectual or sensory deficiencies. And rehabilitation is mandatory for a certain period of time for persons with physical, mental or sensory disabilities, to increase their functional performance and social integration.
For children, this new law provides for early stimulation for boys and girls ages 0 to 7 years. The purpose is to stimulate their early development. Young children will benefit from accessible programs aimed at fostering their physical, intellectual, and sensory capabilities right from their earliest years, so they may achieve their highest human potential.
Policies and programs
The Secretariat of Labor and Social Provision (Secretaría de Trabajo y Previsión Social) must promote and put into practice national policies and programs leading to the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the job market. Pursuant to this new law, no longer will persons with disabilities be denied access to education and training services or making progress in any field of personal or professional development.
Private and government employers must provide workers with disabilities the materials and necessary equipment, and to have Sign Language interpreters for deaf persons. The law also provides that persons with disabilities must meet certain medical criteria and be responsible for keeping basic heath standards.
With respect to education, the new Mexican legislation, includes mandatory provisions for special library services, including furniture, facilities and trained service personal and materials as needed for each type of disability. These provisions are to be implemented at all levels of the Mexican educational system.
Public and private initiatives for creating and operating boarding facilities and regular school, as needed, for deaf children, will be fostered, particularly those destined for students from rural areas and from low income families.
The new law includes specific regulations for equipment, materials, and personnel as needed to ensure accessibility in private and public transportation, telecommunications, and housing for persons with disabilities. These provisions include the right of people with disabilities to enjoy a fully accessible environment and all effective adaptations needed for them, from correct signs and labels to sound credit and accessible banking.
Accordingly, all means of transportation and communication must be accessible, safe, comfortable, functional, and of quality. The new law establishes that stimulus programs and campaigns may be established so that public transportation authorities and providers gradually introduce accessibility to their services, including the renewal of vehicles.
Social and legal assistance
With respect to social and legal support, the new law recognizes the right of persons with disabilities to a wide range of measurements to ensure their integral development, including material, human, and financial resources, and strengthening public and private support.
In order to understand and fulfill their rights and obligations with respect to the Public Administration, persons with disabilities must be provided with qualified technical and human resources such as sign language interpreters, the use of Braille and certified social workers, among others.
With respect to arts and culture, all persons with disabilities have the right to enjoy full access to culture, arts, sports, and recreation. The law provides for their full participation in the generation and development of culture and the administration of cultural assets. Cultural activities and services must be made accessible for persons with disabilities.
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