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Background to legal framework
The Disabled Persons Opportunities Equalization Act
(Ley de Equiparación de Oportunidades para las Personas con
Discapacidad) was passed by means of Decree No. 888 on April 27, 2000.
Publication in the Official Register: May 24, 2000.
The Regulations for the Disabled Persons
Opportunities Equalization Act were passed by means of Decree No. 99
on November 28, 2000. Publication in the Official Register: December
1, 2000.
Regulations for the disabled persons opportunities
equalization act
Article 31indicates that
accessibility in communications is an
indispensable element for the social integration of persons with
sensory disabilities.
Therefore the Council must:
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Promote the conservation, dissemination, and
teaching of sign language, not only to disabled persons but also to
teachers and the school community, as well as increase the number of
interpreters so that the environment can favor integration. Sign
language interpreters must be certified by a specialized Commission.
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Foster the installation of special phones for the
deaf, the blind and persons who use wheelchairs in public places
where there is high demand and at affordable prices.
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Enforce compliance with the right of deaf and
blind persons to gain access to national or international
information, promoting the presentation of TV newscasts in sign
language and/or with subtitles for deaf persons who can read.
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Implement adequate emergency mechanisms for
disabled persons in public and private buildings and in general in
places where people gather.
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Promote the use of text converters for blind
persons, elevators, traffic lights and other kinds of technological
breakthroughs adapted to various disabilities, as well as organize
the provision of mechanical helps, such as orthotics, walkers,
wheelchairs, canes, crutches and others to disabled persons for
their rehabilitation.
Persons resonsible and coordinators
The National Council for the Comprehensive Care of
Disabled Persons (Consejo Nacional de Atención Integral a la Persona
con Discapacidad—CONAIPD) is designated by law to act as the body
governing the National Opportunities Equalization Policy. It was
established by Executive Decree No. 111 on December 6, 1993. Link:
www.conaipd.gob.sv
Technical regulatory framework for accessibility
On January 28, 2003, the Technical Regulatory
Framework for Urban and Architectural Accessibility, Transportation
and Communications was passed for the purpose of enforcing the
operability of the Opportunities Equalization Act.
Current situation
At present, none of the documents described above
is being enforced. The main reason for this is the high cost involved
for public telephony service operators to implement an operational
plan that would apply and implement this regulatory framework.
Nevertheless, efforts are being made to find the
adequate mechanisms to enforce the provisions of said policy.
Eng. Edwin Montenegro
Azúcar
Junior Engineer
Superintendencia de electricidad y Telecomunicaciones (SIGET)
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Additional Information: This document was presented at
the VIII meeting of PCC.I of CITEL, as
part of document CCP.I-TEL/doc. 789/06.
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Economic aspects of
access of the disabled to communications
