Accessibility is not included as a separate subject in the curricula of the School of Architecture (UDELAR), but it is included as a concept in general courses at the school. The Accessibility Committee of the Association of Architects, whose slogan is "Design For All", also works to integrate the concept of universal design in courses.

Sections 56 and 57 of Law 16095 contain specific provisions on accessibility of public transportation at the national level. The law also provides some assistance to private companies adapting vehicles. As of September 2003, no private transportation companies had submitted any adaptation proposal.⁹²

There is no mechanism in place to ensure the necessary adaptation of vehicles.

As of October 2003, the bus system in Montevideo had no vehicles that were adapted or designed for the transportation of wheelchair users. Montevideo replaced the bulk of its public buses ten years ago. At that time, the municipality had been unable to gradually replace its aging bus fleet. In early 1993, there was a pressing need for acquiring used buses in working conditions, because the current fleet was obsolete. The mass replacement of buses did not include vehicles meeting accessibility criteria. There are no automotive assembly plants in Uruguay, so adaptation costs would be extremely high.⁹³

Montevideo's Division of Traffic and Transporation reported that some diability organizations offer transportation services for their members, but the scope of these services is limited. Private vans offer adapted transportation for people with disabilities that can afford to purchase such services.⁹⁴

All forms of public transportation are required to reserve a seat marked for use by people with disabilities.⁹⁵ Some additional transportation benefits granted to people with disabilities in Uruguay include: exemptions from automobile taxes, registration benefits, parking benefits, free movement cards, and reduced ticket fares for urban public transportation.⁹⁶

Culture, Sports, and Recreation

Since 1986, recreational activities have been available through NGOs and sports parks that integrate youth with disabilities. "Friendship Day" activities have involved hundreds of athletes over the age of 9 in sports such as swimming, football, handball and athletics. People with intellectual disabilities over the age of 18 have access to the Paralympic Games. The Ministry of Sports and Youth has a Special Services Department that supports 82% of special schools in the capital city and 55% of special schools in the interior of the country. The department manages recreational, pre-sport, and sport activities.⁹⁷

92. Contador Jorge Chapital, interviewed by author, Montevideo, 26 August 2003.

93. Felipe Martín.

94. Ibid.

95. Felipe Martín; Resolution 8679/85; Order 24582; Order 365/91-16 July 1991 section 1; Order 95/87- 14 February 1987- section 1; Order 99/86 -13 February 1986-section 45; Order 24022.-1 August 1988- section 1; Order 25787-30 September 1992- section 32 -volume V. Municipal Digest.

96. Ibid.

97. Ministry of Sports and Youth.