These institutions or centers are regularly monitored by the Ministry of
Health, the Ombudsman's Office of Human Rights, the Ministry of the Family,
and the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports. However, there is no official
mechanism for reporting incidences of abuse or death in these institutions. In the
past few years no abuse or death has been reported in these centers.34
Accessibility
A joint committee made up of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI), disability organizations, and the National University of Engineering (UNI), along with representatives from other institutions is in charge of drafting accessibility standards for public and private buildings. As of April 2004, the committee had not completed the standards. A member of the committee reported that the standards "will be a major technical tool to build constructions that are accessible... parks, cinemas, restaurants, urban developments, churches, shopping malls, entertainment centers, streets, train platforms, stairs, steps, ramps, banks, supermarkets, public buildings, schools, hospitals, airports, etc."35
Currently, however, most buildings are not yet accessible. For example, the post offices in Managua, León, and Matagalpa are not accessible to wheelchair users.36
The National University of Engineering (UNI), which trains a large number of the engineers in the country, does not currently have any courses focusing on accessibility. However, the University does offer specific courses on accessibility for the public at large. A universal design course is included in the curriculum of basic architecture of the UNI.
Local public transportation in Managua, León, and Matagalpa is not
accessible to wheelchair users, nor is any other adapted or special transportation.
Wheelchair users must typically travel by taxi or private vans.
Culture, Sports, and Recreation
The Institute of Youth and Sports (INJUDE) spends 1% of its budget
(US$5,400) on adapted sports including: goalball, chess, basketball, soccer,
volleyball, and weightlifting.37 However, these limited actions are considered
insufficient. Most of the existing recreational centers in the country are not
accessible to persons with disabilities. There are no cultural programs for persons
with disabilities.
34. Francisco García, Engineer.
35. Roberto López (Architect, delegate of the Office of Building Standards and Urban Development of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure in charge of drafting accessibility standards), interviewed by author, Managua, April 2004.
36.Yader Valle (press consultant of the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure), interviewed by author, February 2003; Leonardo Icaza (Architect, Head of the Office of Urban Development), interviewed by author, City Hall of Managua. February 2003.
37 Dionisio Zeledón (Director, Nicaraguan Institute of Youth and Sports), interviewed by author.