Federico’s coworkers see him as a role model and an example of perseverance. He is paraplegic as a result of a traffic accident, but with a survivor mentality he has a determination that drives him to succeed in his work. La Red de Sobrevivientes y Personas con Discapacidad (Survivor Corps’ El Salvador Partner), along with La Red Iberoamericana, have been working to strengthen economic opportunities for persons with disabilities in El Salvador.
Through the Red de Sobrevivientes Economic Opportunity Program, companies like RIA Financial where Federico works, are being educated about equal employment opportunities. With public awareness campaigns and job training for persons with disabilities, the Red de Sobrevivientes hopes to change perspectives and break down institutional and cultural barriers that cause discrimination in the workplace. Having access to economic opportunities and employment is an important step in the recovery process for a person who has suffered through the trauma of an incident that left has them physically as well as emotionally changed.
Last week the Red de Sobrevivientes hosted their Annual Entrepreneurial Breakfast to promote disability rights in the workplace. Several local and international businesses attended to show their support and learn about ways in which to improve their human resources departments to be more inclusive and considerate of the accessibility issues faced by persons with disabilities in the workplace.
