Disability and social protection in Latin American countries

This article aims to compare and analyse the different models used to define and understand disability in the legislation on disability and social protection in five Latin American countries. Five countries with different structure and historical development of social protection systems were selected (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico) and a thematic analysis of 75 legal documents was conducted. The results demonstrate a contradiction between definitions and perspectives used to understand and establish strategies to include disabled people. Indeed, the five countries have used an International Classification of Functionings, Health and Disability perspective in their legislation on disability, but an individual perspective for the social protection legislation. The article offers insight into the inherent tensions presented in such models given the legislative and policy framework around them and reflects on the impact this has for implementation.