Núcleo Disca

Disability and citizenship

Author Archives: Comunicaciones Núcleo DISCA

  1. Women with disabilities and the loss of custody of their children: “Carers, but not mothers”

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    Points of interest:

    • Historically, the motherhood of women with disabilities has been questioned due to negative representations about them. It is often assumed that women with disabilities cannot be mothers, and when they are, their ability to care for their children is doubted.
    • According to international literature, women with disabilities are at greater risk of losing custody of their children. However, in Chile, there is little evidence about this issue.
    • This article analyzes the experiences of three Chilean mothers with disabilities who faced legal proceedings regarding the custody of their sons or daughters.
    • The findings show several difficulties that women with disabilities must face in order to prove they are capable of being mothers.
    • The article concludes that, if proper support is provided and the disabling view is changed, mothers with disabilities can provide the care and parenting their children need.

     

    Notes:

    • The following summary was prepared by Núcleo Milenio DISCA and is based exclusively on the original publication. Therefore, it should not be used for citations or references.
    • This article was originally published in English.

  3. Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake Among Women with Disabilities: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study in Chile

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    Points of interest:

    • This study analyzes how many women with disabilities in Chile undergo the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. This exam is used to detect cervical cancer.
    • Based on data from the 2022 CASEN survey, it was observed that women with disabilities are less likely to get a Pap test compared to women without disabilities.
    • Women aged 35 to 64, who are married, have completed secondary or higher education, live in rural areas, and are receiving medical treatment are more likely to undergo the exam.
    • On the other hand, women who are single, not working, or who attended special education are less likely to have the exam.
    • The study reveals that even though the Pap test is free in many cases, barriers still exist, such as lack of information, low health education, and negative experiences with the healthcare system.
    • The study highlights the need for inclusive public policies that improve access to preventive exams for women with disabilities.

     

    Notes:

    • The following summary was prepared by Núcleo Milenio DISCA and is based exclusively on the original publication. Therefore, it should not be used for citations or references.
    • This article was originally published in English.

  4. Memorias invisibilizadas: conmemoración del golpe de Estado desde la perspectiva de personas con discapacidad [Invisibilized memories: commemoration of the coup d’Etat from the perspective of people with disabilities]

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    Points of interest:

    • As part of the 50th anniversary of the 1973 coup d’état in Chile, various commemorative events were held, reflecting the diversity of memories in recent years.
    • This study focuses on the commemorative action organized at the National Stadium by the Colectivo Nacional por la Discapacidad (CONADIS), which involved displaying a banner created by its members.
    • From the perspective of social psychology of memory, this action can be seen as an expression of “other” memories, which are usually excluded from dominant narratives.
    • Through a critical discourse analysis of focus groups held before and after the event, three main themes were identified:
      1. Artistic intervention and commemorative discourses of the coup’s 50th anniversary from the perspective of disability;
      2. Reflections on the process of creating the banner; and
      3. Memory elements related to human rights violations against people with disabilities.
    • This study shows how the collective process of artistic creation and artistic intervention positions artivism as a form of political activism that allows people with disabilities to claim their place in society.

     

    Notes:

    • The following summary was prepared by Núcleo Milenio DISCA and is based exclusively on the original publication. Therefore, it should not be used for citations or references.
    • This article was originally published in Spanish.

  5. Discapacidad en Chile: una introducción [Disability in Chile: an introduction]

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    Disability in Chile: An Introduction (The book is only published in Spanish)

    “Disability in Chile: An Introduction” offers a comprehensive analysis of the physical, social, and attitudinal barriers faced by people with disabilities, while promoting a shift towards a human rights-based approach. This book aims to change the paradigm of disability in Chile, placing the issue at the center of public discourse from a social and human rights perspective.

    Throughout its 10 chapters, it examines how people with disabilities face significant barriers to participating in society, from education and employment to family life, politics, and access to justice.

    The text is not limited to a single disability but addresses a wide range of experiences, using a general and inclusive approach. Moreover, the authors, many of whom have direct experience with disability, provide evidence-based analyses and propose solutions to eliminate barriers that prevent full inclusion.

    The book brings together contributions from leading experts and is aimed at a wide audience, including academics, people with disabilities, professionals in the field, family members, and anyone interested in social justice and inclusion.

    How to Access the Book:

    Discapacidad en Chile: una introducción

  6. Docencia e Investigación Femidisca: una caja de herramientas desde América Latina [Teaching and Research Femidisca: A Toolkit from Latin America]

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    This text is a guide for using a feminist perspective when teaching and conducting research on disability in Latin America.

    This guide emerged from the multiple conversations one of its authors (Constanza López Radrigán) had with researchers and activists in the field of disability who are based in or connected to the region. These conversations complement the findings she reached as part of her doctoral thesis, which aimed to articulate a feminist approach to disability from a Latin American perspective. Therefore, this guide is based both on these conversations and on some of the central conclusions she reached in her doctoral work. By virtue of the work’s focus on the perceptions and experiences of forty-two researchers and nineteen activists, the guide is intended for those dedicated to the processes of teaching, learning, and producing academic knowledge about disability in this territory.

    You can download the full document in Spanish at this link: Docencia e Investigación Femidisca

    If you would like to listen to this document, you can do so at the following link: https://bit.ly/3zcMR0P

    Teaching and Research Femidisca

  7. Baby MICARE Manual de Intervención para Profesionales [Baby MICARE: Intervention Manual for Professionals]

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    Points of interest:

    • Baby MICARE is a free program that helps professionals work with families of children with Down syndrome, from birth to 3 years old.
    • The program is based on scientific evidence and includes a step-by-step guide for implementation. Its goal is to improve interactions between caregivers and children, supporting their development and autonomy.
    • The program includes 10 sessions, focused on practicing skills through play and daily routines.
    • Any health or education professional can use the program, as the manual explains each step clearly.
    • The program also strengthens sensitivity, empathy, and respect for the child’s initiative during play.
    • Baby MICARE was created based on research funded by Fondecyt Regular 1221400, and it takes into account the characteristics and needs of families in Chile.

     

    Notes:

    • The following summary was prepared by Núcleo Milenio DISCA and is based exclusively on the original publication. Therefore, it should not be used for citations or references.
    • This article was originally published in English.

  8. Insumos y recomendaciones para políticas públicas e intervención social en torno a las luchas de las personas con discapacidad en América Latina [Guidelines and Recommendations for Public Policies and Social Intervention Regarding the Struggles of People with Disabilities in Latin America]

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    Points of interest:

    • It is necessary to create laws and institutions that truly respond to the needs of people with disabilities. This includes moving away from outdated models that view disability solely as a medical issue.
    • People with disabilities must directly participate in the creation of policies and programs that affect them.
    • It is important to recognize that women, LGBTIQ+ individuals, children, adolescents, Indigenous peoples, and racialized people with disabilities face different barriers. Therefore, state actions must be sensitive to these differences and ensure appropriate support for each group.
    • It is urgent to eliminate the figure of “interdiction” that still exists in several countries, which prevents many people with disabilities from making decisions about their own lives, bodies, or property.
    • A set of recommendations is proposed to realize self-determination and combat discrimination against people with disabilities.

     

    Notes:

    • The following summary was prepared by Núcleo Milenio DISCA and is based exclusively on the original publication. Therefore, it should not be used for citations or references.
    • This article was originally published in Spanish.

  9. Inclusion of people with disabilities in Chilean health policy: a policy analysis

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    Points of interest:

    • Approximately 18% of the Chilean population has a disability. Despite having greater health needs, they face significant difficulties in accessing health services due to structural barriers in the health system.
    • Twelve health policies were analyzed using an analytical framework adapted for disability, and the presence of 21 core human rights concepts was evaluated. Although 92% of the policies mention human rights concepts related to disability, only 50% show clear policy commitments.
    • In addition, 15 national stakeholders were interviewed to assess perceptions on health policies.
    • The 15 interviewees identified three main reasons explaining the implementation challenges of disability-related health policies:
      1. Lack of financing;
      2. Inconsistent political approach to disability;
      3. Shortage of human resources.
    • It is crucial to improve both the design and implementation of disability-inclusive health policies to guarantee the right to health for people with disabilities and to comply with the human rights principles that should guide inclusive public health policy.

     

    Notes:

    • The following summary was prepared by Núcleo Milenio DISCA and is based exclusively on the original publication. Therefore, it should not be used for citations or references.
    • This article was published in English.