The National Federation of Persons with Disabilities (FENAPEDI) is a coordinating organization that has been developing disability policies since 2000. It consists of 14 organizations of persons with disabilities. Among the goals of FENAPEDI are: monitoring participation in all discussions of disability policies and rules; monitoring compliance with the law to ensure the inclusion of disability representatives; and supporting disability awareness raising campaigns targeted at the population in general and at the government. It has not yet assumed a significant role in coordinating and leading advocacy efforts.

Other important organizations include the IPHE, which acts as a policy and planning forum for disability issues, and the Christian Fraternity for Ill and Disabled Persons, which is an international NGO headed by persons with disabilities. In addition to various advocacy efforts, activities of the Christian Fraternity for Ill and Disabled Persons include: awareness-raising and training activities through weekly radio programs and national television programs; organization of annual commemoration of the International Day of Disabled Persons; and implementation of leadership training programs. This institution's programs are funded by means of donations and self-sustaining activities.⁴¹

Some financial support for national organizations of people with disabilities comes from the Ministry of Youth, Women, Childhood, and Family.⁴² Other groups receive financial support from international organizations and international NGOs or develop self-sustaining activities.

Leaders of disability organizations point to the following goals as the most significant for the advancement of disability rights in Panama: raising awareness of disability rights among key government decision-makers; promoting the organizational development of advocacy groups and institutions; raising awareness among the general population regarding Law and incorporating inclusive education into national education plans.⁴³

41. Juan Bello (National Coordinator, Christian Fraternity for Ill and Disabled Persons), interviewed by author, Panama, 2 October 2003.

42. Fausto Pérez;

43. Panel discussion.