The Intersection of Disability and Poverty in Argentina
Families struggle to balance caregiving duties with the urgent need for financial survival.
1The Caregiving Trap
Verónica Cáceres, a 32-year-old seamstress in Bajo Flores, must attend school daily with her seven-year-old son, Nicolás. Diagnosed with autism and developmental delays, Nicolás requires constant supervision to remain in class. This daily commitment prevents Verónica from working, forcing her family to survive on her husband's informal income as a mason.
2Bureaucratic Hurdles
Despite obtaining a Disability Certificate (CUD) a year ago, Verónica remains unaware of the specific rights it grants. She does not know that the certificate provides access to the Incluir Salud social program. This lack of information prevents her from securing essential therapies like speech, occupational, and psychological support for her son.
3Systemic Vulnerability
Pablo Molero, president of the Permanent Disability Forum, notes that poverty amplifies the challenges faced by disabled individuals. Beyond income, families struggle with access to basic rights like medicine, specialized transport, and education. When a family member has a disability, the need for constant care often leads to severe household deterioration.
4Statistical Reality
Approximately 12% of Argentina's population, or five million people, live with a disability. Estimates suggest over 1.5 million of these individuals live in poverty. Data from the UCA Social Debt Observatory reveals that disabled people in poorer strata face a 64% higher probability of care deficits compared to wealthier sectors.
5Institutional Challenges
The Pequeño Cottolengo Don Orione in Claypole houses 410 residents, many of whom come from extreme poverty. Father Aníbal Quevedo explains that many residents grew up without basic infrastructure like bathrooms or proper housing. The institution aims to foster autonomy, though traditional medical-led models often limit the residents' personal decision-making power.
6Personal Recovery
Alejandro Morínigo, a 21-year-old resident with cerebral palsy, highlights the impact of institutional support. After spending his life in various homes, he recently reconnected with his mother. He now participates in sports like bocce and maintains a relationship with his girlfriend, marking a significant shift toward personal agency and social connection.
7Limitations of Pensions
Experts argue that state pensions act only as temporary patches rather than structural solutions. Without accessible transport or integrated social services, cash transfers are quickly consumed by daily survival costs. Molero emphasizes that the system must reach real people in their communities rather than relying on idealized, inaccessible bureaucratic frameworks.
8Path Toward Visibility
The visit of Pope Francis to the Cottolengo institution serves to highlight the plight of families struggling with disability. Meanwhile, local initiatives like the Madre Teresa de Calcuta Rehabilitation Center provide free therapy to those without insurance. These efforts remain vital for families who otherwise lack any formal support system.
Original article: La Nación — The Intersection of Disability and Poverty in Argentina