The Milei government faced significant controversy after using offensive language, such as “idiot” and “imbecile,” in a resolution regarding disability evaluations. Human rights organizations condemned the language as discriminatory and contrary to international standards. In response to public outcry, the government promised to revise the terminology while affirming that evaluation criteria would not change, sparking discussions on the need for inclusive practices for disabled individuals.
President Javier Milei’s administration has sparked controversy following its use of outdated and offensive language in a resolution regarding persons with disabilities. The document issued by The Agencia Nacional de Discapacidad (ANDIS) featured terms such as “idiot,” “imbecile,” and “mentally deficient” within its official guidelines for evaluating disability status. Such language has been criticized as archaic, discriminatory, and contrary to United Nations standards that Argentina endorses.
In response to public outcry, seven human rights organizations, including ACIJ and CELS, demanded the immediate retraction of the resolution, citing violations of international conventions safeguarding disabled individuals’ rights. The government subsequently pledged to revise the offending terminology and align it with contemporary medical practices. However, ANDIS emphasized that the fundamental evaluation criteria for disabilities would remain unchanged.
Following the backlash, ANDIS explained that the document would be updated to reflect current regulations. Dismissal notices were issued to key personnel involved in the drafting process, particularly Medical Oversight Coordinator Miriam Améndola and her predecessor Tatiana Alvarado. Nonetheless, some critics pointed out that ANDIS chief Diego Spagnuolo, who authorized the original resolution, should also be held accountable.
The controversial terms appeared in the annex of Resolution 187/2025, which details the “medical criteria” for assessing disabilities as mandated since September 2024. The classification system echoes a previous 1998 decree from then-President Carlos Menem, leading to scrutiny of the administration’s intent and Milei’s tendency to employ derogatory language against his adversaries.
Lawyer Agostina Quiroz from ACIJ remarked that the language used strengthens historical biases and broadens discrimination against disabled individuals, underscoring the state’s obligation to combat such rhetoric. She called for a shift from a medical model of disability to a social model, emphasizing the need for environmental changes to foster inclusion and participation for disabled individuals.
The ACIJ’s February 7 communiqué highlighted that with proper support, all individuals with disabilities have the potential to work. The continued use of outdated terms inflicts significant harm on disabled individuals and perpetuates societal stereotypes, inhibiting the progress toward more inclusive communities.
The Milei administration’s resolution employing archaic and derogatory terms to describe disabled individuals has faced substantial backlash from human rights organizations and the public. The government has committed to modifying the offensive language while maintaining its evaluation criteria. This incident highlights the critical need for modernizing the terminology surrounding disabilities and emphasizes the importance of transitioning towards a more inclusive approach.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
