In Latin America and the Caribbean about 80-90 percent of persons with disabilities are unemployed or outside the workforce. Most of those who have jobs receive little or no monetary remuneration, according to data from the World Bank. Providing them with specific training in job readiness, job skills, job interviewing, and resume preparation can make a big difference in their lives.
That was the case for Zoila Chacon, a 33-year-old Guatemalan woman who lost her leg at age 18 in a motorcycle accident. Six years later, she lost her job due to prosthesis complications, and no longer had a source of income.
Her situation began to improve when she learned about an initiative that promotes labor rights for persons with disabilities, which is supported by USAID and implemented by the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) under the Central America and Mexico Regional Human Rights Project. Thus, the Association for Training and Technical Assistance in Education and Disability (ASCATED), a local organization, offered her a pre-employment workshop. With this technical assistance and job placement support, she was able to return to the labor market.
Zoila now works as a cashier for Walmart and can provide for herself and her family, including her three children. She was recognized as an outstanding employee in her work area, due to her performance, exceeding the scanning of 700 products per week, as well as an impeccable cash register record, which opened the door for her to apply for a full-time position. She was also able to buy a new prosthesis.
