[Yasmin Garcia Mendez]

From my research on laws and policies that promotes accessibility, reduce discrimination and stigma, and increase access to healthcare services in Mexico, I believe these need to be revised and updated maybe taking into consideration the biospychosocial model and the different disability models expressing in the country to identify where the barriers are and what strategies can be implemented to improve accessibility (not only of the physical environment as most of the norms try to address) but also other types of discrimination and stignatization.

[Yasmin Garcia Mendez]

1. What examples do you see in your country of the different models of disability?

Moral Model- I had a friend in school when I was a child who had some kind of cognitive impairment. He mother said to me that she was born like that because she did something wrong in other life.
Medical Model – Parents making every effort for their children to walk after being born with a medical condition that prevent them from walking. It take some time form them to realize and accept the little girl or boy won’t walk or won’t use “normal” ways to move around.
Social Model – I have a cousin who had an accident and had a spine injury. He is independent using a wheelchair, lives by himself, works and is productive. Still he has a person who helps him a lot for transfers.

2. What do you think when you see someone with a disability? What model of disability were you raised with? These questions can give you insight into the model you might choose.

I grown up thinking that a person should be respected and included. The girl from my school was my friend, I was the only person she invited to her home when we were at school. I think my cousin could be even more independent and have a family if he wants. I always see ways on how people could be more independent, ways that other persons might not see, and sometimes people think I am not realistic. I think I am more inclide to social and medical model.

[Yasmin Garcia Mendez]

In Mexico, there are different laws, policies or norms regarding accessibility to help reduce disability by providing access to physical structures, reduce stigma and discrimination, and provide access to health care services:

The Federal Law to Prevent and eliminate discrimination. Discrimination by public establishments, services and facilities is considered as lack (or causing obstruction) of accessibility in the physical environment, transportation, information, technology and communications. It is also considered as a discriminatory action to stigmatize or deny services to persons with mental, psychosocial or physical disability.

Accessibility aspects are also considered in the General Health Law. This law considers accessibility of information and services.

And the Official Mexican Norm or Regulation that states the architectonic characteristics of health establishments for hospitals and other health facilities in the national health system to facilitate access, traffic, use and stay of people with disabilities.

[Yasmin Garcia Mendez]

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, exercises. These are the words that come first to my mind, but I know rehab is much more than this…

[Yasmin Garcia Mendez]

Audiology, Pain clinic, psychology, phonoaudiology/language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, optometry, orthopedics, low vision.

[Yasmin Garcia Mendez]

What I have learned about rehabilitation and health care coverage.

Rehabilitation is a combination of interventions and helps persons with a health condition to recover function or to remain functional, and prevent disability. It should be available for all the population, not only persons with disability or long-term impairments. Rehabilitations is an important component of UHC, including prevention, promotion, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care. Rehab should be available at all level of health care, and services should be timely, of high-quality and affordable. Rehabilitation services can be provided at different settings, like health facilities, at home and the community according to the context and the health structure. Every person should receive an individualizes plan of rehabilitation according to their needs and personal preferences.
rehabilitation helps persons to manage their condition, prevent subsequent health conditions, and remain productive.

[Yasmin Garcia Mendez]

My name is Yasmin Garcia, I am a Mexican Biomedical Engineer with a Master in Sciences on Rehabilitation Science and Technology.
I work at the Pan American Health Organization, regional office as International Professional Consultant for Assistive Technology and I am currently supporting rehabilitation activities as well.

My experience is in implementing AT capacity assessments in the Caribbean, supporting systematic assessments of the rehabilitation situation in the Caribbean, and supporting the developing of national strategic plan for rehab and AT, monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
I also implemented a regional consultation on the regulatory situation of assistive products in the Americas as part of my work at PAHO.
Previous to my work in PAHO, I worked for Momentum Wheels for Humanity as Technical Advisor for project implementation, product design and development, product sourcing for CLASP and coordination of the Product Advisory Council for few time.
My role at PAHO is in providing technical support to countries to strengthen rehabilitation services and access to AT.

From this course I expect to increase my leadership skills, gain confidence in my knowledge and experience to become an effective leader in the sector. Learn more about systems thinking and strategies to guide teams in the design, plan and implementation of new policies and rehab and AT programs to increase access to these two health interventions.

[Author]

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