Peru’s Law No. 29973: General Law on Persons with Disabilities – Explained Simply
Overview
Law No. 29973, also known as the General Law on Persons with Disabilities, is a Peruvian law enacted on December 24, 2012. Its main goal is to protect the rights of people with disabilities and ensure their full inclusion in society, whether in education, employment, healthcare, or public services. The law recognises that disabilities result from societal barriers, not just individual impairments, and requires both the government and private businesses to take action to remove those barriers.
Key Provisions in Simple Terms
1. Definition of Disability
The law defines disability as a condition where a person has long-term physical, sensory, mental, or intellectual impairments that, when combined with societal barriers (like inaccessible buildings or discrimination), limit their ability to participate fully in society.
2. Employment Quotas
- Public sector employers must hire people with disabilities for at least 5% of their workforce.
- Private companies with 50+ employees must reserve at least 3% of jobs for people with disabilities.
3. Accessibility Requirements
- Employers must provide reasonable accommodations (like adjusted workstations, flexible schedules, or assistive tools) unless they prove it’s too costly.
- Public and private services (websites, transportation, buildings) must be accessible. The law references Ministerial Resolution No. 126-2009-PCM for web accessibility standards.
4. Non-Discrimination & Equal Rights
- People with disabilities have the right to education, healthcare, and legal protections without discrimination.
- The law promotes inclusive education, meaning students with disabilities should learn alongside peers in regular schools whenever possible.
5. Enforcement & Penalties
If employers or service providers don’t follow the law, they can face:
- Fines (based on tax units, with higher penalties for serious violations).
- Suspensions or other sanctions for repeated non-compliance.
Important Dates
- Enacted: December 24, 2012.
- Ongoing compliance: Organisations were expected to meet requirements soon after the law passed, with ongoing updates to regulations.
Conclusion
This explanation simplifies Peru’s Law No. 29973, which works to eliminate barriers and ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities. It covers employment quotas, accessibility, and anti-discrimination measures.
Based on the official document: Law No. 29973 - General Law on Persons with Disabilities.