Politicization of Intellectual disability in Ecuador

Abstract

Intellectual disability has been understood from various historical paradigms. So, in Ecuador, from 2007 is undertaken a restructuring of social policies with the adhesion of the State to the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This article shows the restrictions and opportunities that have had organizations of and for people with intellectual disabilities to politicize their needs and influence the construction of public policies.

From the perspective of the disability sociology, it is explained the processes of grouping, struggle and political struggle of people with intellectual disability in Ecuador. The political dimension of disability has been a subject of wide discussion. Now, the new social movements have marked the proximity between personal identity and the consolidation of groups and social movements.

Thus, overcoming the bio-psycho-social or pathological perspectives of disability, it is tried to show the agency of the groups of and for disability in order to influence the policies made for them. This article tries to show the context of disability groups where they influence the policies of the Ecuadorian State.