Families in Rio Grande do Sul demand therapy access
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Families of people with disabilities, autism, rare diseases, and other neurodivergences are mobilizing across Rio Grande do Sul state in Brazil to demand better access to health and education services.
Organized by the Balcão de Direitos das Famílias Atípicas RS and the Associação Mães e Pais pela Democracia, groups will gather in front of the Public Ministry in 13 cities on September 21st, using the slogan “Terapia é direito, não é favor!” (Therapy is a right, not a favor!).
The mobilizations stem from repeated issues families face, long wait times for therapy, interrupted treatments, age restrictions, and shortages of qualified professionals. In Bagé, families report waiting three to five years for therapy appointments, while in Pelotas, there are concerns the Dr. Danilo Rolim de Moura Center might stop serving autistic people who are no longer enrolled in public schools.
Families are not only seeking therapy, but also requesting consistent access to prescriptions, assistive technologies, and medications through the SUS (Brazil’s public health system). They also want increased transparency in accessing services like TEAcolhe and Gercon, and they advocate for continued treatment regardless of age or school enrollment. Organizers are urging participants to maintain a peaceful demonstration, wear specific colors, and share photos and videos of the event online to amplify their message.
