Suggestions for providing services to the handicapped in Latin America

This paper discusses some issues involved in the transfer of models of programmes for the handicapped from the US to Latin America. It argues that different needs require a re-evaluation of criteria of efficiency and the uses of professional help in Latin-American programmes. A variety of studies by international organizations concerned with services for the handicapped (in the context of provision of general health services) as well as this author's experience indicate that such services should be more closely tied to the community, provided in places that do not cost a great deal of money to construct or maintain, and delivered by local people who are involved in the daily lives of the recipients. This paper attempts to answer the question why Latin-American countries, despite such recommendations, continue to base their programmes on inappropriate and highly professionalized models from the US.