Spain’s disabled community take to the streets to demand their rights

On the 19th of September, Madrid will bear witness to a gathering of people sending out a message of equality, dignity, freedom and human rights. For the 9th consecutive year, the march for Visibility of Functional Diversity will embody the group’s mission for a truly inclusive society, free from prejudice. The participants in the march will be expressing their wish for real policies on independent living, with a strong focus on human rights.

Divertidad!

This initiative is led by the FVID (Forum for Independent Living and Diversity). Divertidad is a made up word that blends together the Spanish words “dignidad” and “libertad” (dignity and freedom), which points to what the Forum is all about.

This organization emerged in 2001 with the aim of boosting the independent living movement in Spain. They define themselves as a "forum for reflection and philosophical struggle for the rights of people with disabilities where the participation of all members is straightforward and on an equal footing”.

Over the years they have had input in various regional parliamentary commissions, have delivered countless presentations and attended conferences and seminars throughout Spain.

The organization began its marches in 2007, in Madrid and other cities in Spain. Through these they demand human rights, which although they are recognized by law, are violated every day all over the country.

According to forum members, "to draw attention to the situation faced by these people, it is necessary that we all join together to demand our rights with strength and conviction. Not just women and men with diverse functionality, but all those who think that our fundamental human rights are being denied: the right to a decent life, the right to employment, the right to education, the freedom to choose one's life, the right to equal work conditions and equal opportunities, the right, ultimately, to live an independent and self-determined life”.

In their own words, they state that "society sees only as we appear, we are discriminated against because of our differences, we are part of a society that separates, discriminates and considers us defective citizens that need to be fixed.”

This year therefore, they are preparing to march once again in the hope of inspiring more people to make their voices heard for the rights of everybody under the slogan: NADA SOBRE NOSOTROS SIN NOSOTROS - NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US!

Spain’s disabled community take to the streets to demand their rights

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