Controversy Erupts Over Derogatory Terms Used in Disability Evaluation Resolution by Milei Government

President Javier Milei’s government faced backlash for using offensive language such as ‘idiot’ and ‘imbecile’ in a resolution regarding disability evaluations. Human rights organizations condemned this terminology as discriminatory, leading to a governmental admission to modify the language while keeping evaluation criteria intact. The incident underscores the necessity for societal changes in understanding disability, moving towards more inclusive practices.

The government of President Javier Milei has stirred controversy by describing individuals with disabilities using outdated and derogatory terms such as “idiot,” “mentally deficient,” and “imbecile”. This terminology appeared in a resolution from the Agencia Nacional de Discapacidad (ANDIS), which dictates how disability evaluations will be conducted for allowances. Advocacy groups criticized this language as discriminatory and contrary to United Nations standards, prompting a swift backlash from human rights organizations.

In response to the uproar, seven human rights groups, including Asociación Civil por la Igualdad (ACIJ) and Centro de Estudios Legales y Sociales (CELS), called for an immediate repeal of the resolution due to its violations of the rights of disabled individuals as enshrined in international conventions. The Milei administration acknowledged the antiquated nature of the terms and stated that revisions would be made to better align with modern medical standards, although the evaluation criteria would remain unchanged.

ANDIS subsequently announced the dismissal of a staff member, Miriam Améndola, responsible for medical oversight, and suggested past leadership had a role in the document’s creation. Diego Spagnuolo, the head of ANDIS, recognized the severity of the matter on social media, while critics pointed out that he held responsibility for the resolution’s contents.

The controversial terminology was derived from a 1998 decree signed by former President Carlos Menem, mirroring Milei’s own tendency to use similar pejoratives against his critics. ACIJ lawyer Agostina Quiroz remarked that such expressions exacerbate historical prejudices, emphasizing the need for a shift from a medical to a social model of disability that focuses on societal barriers rather than inherent deficiencies.

Moreover, a February communiqué from ACIJ asserted that every disabled individual can work with appropriate support. Quiroz emphasized that continuing to use outdated terms inflicts significant harm on disabled individuals and society, reinforcing stereotypes that hinder the development of equitable and inclusive communities.

In conclusion, the recent resolution issued by President Javier Milei’s government has faced substantial criticism due to its use of outdated and derogatory language towards disabled individuals. The backlash from human rights organizations has led to a commitment from the government to revise the terminology while maintaining the existing evaluation criteria. It highlights the continuing need to shift societal attitudes towards disability, focusing on support and inclusion rather than outdated models of deficiency.

Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar