Background:   Approximately 1.6 million people in Ecuador have some sort of disability (12% of the total population).  Although the Ecuadorian legislation in terms of protecting persons with disabilities (PWD) rights is one of the most developed in Latin America, there still remain ongoing challenges for this population.  Poverty, social and architectural barriers, neglect, high levels of unemployment, and lack of access to training and education are just a few of the many barriers PWDs still overcome.  Inclusion, equity, participation and access to opportunities must be addressed for their integral inclusion in the society. 

Objectives:  USAID, on behalf of the U.S. Government, is committed to pursue advocacy for, outreach to, and inclusion of PWD in the design and implementation of activities.  The objectives of the USAID policy on disability are: (a) to promote the participation and equalization of opportunities of PWD; (b) to increase awareness of issues of PWD; (c) to engage other U.S. government agencies, host country governments, implementing organizations and other donors in fostering a climate of nondiscrimination against PWD; and (d) to support international advocacy for PWD.  

Activity description: USAID assistance supports the Government of Ecuador to address the State Polity to prevent disabilities and provide priority attention to PWD.  The following initiatives are implemented:

1)      Promotion of PWD participation in elections through public awareness campaigns, greater access to polling stations, and transportation to the polls.

2)     Implementation of job placement services for PWD in Quito and Guayaquil.

 3)  Information technology training to PWD to improve their labor profiles.

4)     Inclusion of PWD concerns in emergency disasters plans of four-high risk provinces. 

Results as of 2007: Approximately 1,000 PWD trained and 860 found permanent jobs.  Increased participation of PWD in electoral processes, through public awareness and sensitizing campaigns, improved accessibility to polls and free transportation.  For the first time, 24,000 ballots in Braille printed for the presidential elections.  In partnership with the Office of the Vice-President and the private sector, 270 PWD trained in information technology in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca and Puyo. In partnership with Microsoft,  six internet centers managed by persons with disabilities established in Quinindé, Quito, Latacunga, Portoviejo, Puyo and Zamora.  Co-financed with municipalities, 50 handicap ramps constructed in Manta, Rocafuerte, and Joya de Los Sachas.   

Major expected results through 2009: Assistance to PWD considered in emergency disaster plans benefiting to approximately 800 PWD in Pichincha, Cotopaxi, Tungurahua and Chimborazo.  Four additional job placement services established in Cuenca, Loja, Portoviejo and Machala. Additional 600 PWD receiving formal and occupational training and inserted in permanent jobs.  Nine microenterprises managed by PWD established. 

Partners: Office of the Vice-President, National Federations of PWDMicrosoft 

Implementing partners: FENEDIF, Gestión Ecuador, Chasquinet 

Project duration: Three years (2006-2009)  

Investment: $766,000 

Contacts: Sofía Villalba, USAID/Ecuador, Tel. (593-2) 398-5071, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Julio Mantilla, USAID/Ecuador, Tel (593-2) 398-5145, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it