With regard to early detection, both the MECD and the Ministry of Health run disability detection programs. The MECD deploys community-based strategies. These programs cover hearing, speech, visual, intellectual, and psychological disabilities. Children whose disabilities are detected through these programs are referred for treatment to the appropriate institutions run by the Ministry of Health, or, in some cases, to private specialist centers or practitioners.¹⁹ Over 50% of mainstream schools throughout the country, in addition to the 27 special education schools, participate in these programs.

Some educational opportunities exist for adolescents with mild intellectual disabilities over the age of 18, however, the number of persons who actually take advantage of these opportunities is low. The Special Education Office, together with groups of parents, coordinates occupational training activities aimed at persons with disabilities and their families. "Los Pipitos," a non-governmental organization for persons with disabilities, conducts similar activities. Care for persons with severe and/or multiple disabilities is provided based on parents' initiatives.

Employment

The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities is unknown, however, it is assumed to be extremely high. Although some employment protections are available for people with disabilities in Law 185, in Law 202, and in the Constitution of the Republic, Nicaragua has no national norms or policies that specifically state that a person with disabilities cannot be discriminated against in employment on the basis of his or her disability.²⁰

Anecdotal evidence suggests that these laws are not supported by adequate policies and are largely ignored by or unknown to public and private employers. For example, Law 185 sets a quota, specifying that for every 50 employees, an employer must hire one person with disabilities. Yet less than 1% of workers hired by the government have some kind of disability.²¹

Among those organizations found to have no policies proscribing employment discrimination against persons with disabilities were the following: the Ministry of Labor (MITRAB), the Superior Council of the Private Enterprise (COSEP), the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI), and the National Technological Institute (INATEC).

The major barriers to employment include inaccessible work environment, ineligibility for social security benefits, lack of transportation, and lack of training. Persons with disabilities who have received job training are better positioned for employment. Training programs are funded by the central government, religious and non-religious non-governmental organizations, and an international developmetn agency that is attached to the United Nations. These programs are run throughout the country, however, the greatest number of them are offered in the capital city. Although these programs provide job skills to persons with disabilities, there are no job placement programs to help secure employment after training.

19. Héctor Collado.

20. Law 185, sec. 198 - 201; Political Constitution of Nicaragua, art. 80-87.

21. Hector COllado; Dominga Primante Furlan; Noel Ortega.