Boy With Down Syndrome Wins Constitutional Court Appeal
The parents of Emanuel Chacón has to live the degrading disrespect for Ley 7600, approved in 1996, that guarantees a person with disabilities their rights.

Natalia Quesada, mother of small Emanuel, wanted that her little boy attend the Colegio Lincoln - a private school - just as she and her own mother had done so. However, the school rejected to accept Emanuel because of his "Down syndrome".

Emanuel's mother, frustrated at the situation, decided to make an appeal - a "recurso amparo" - the Constitutional Court. The court, also known as the "Sala IV", received the appeal last October and yesterday made public its decision, in favour of the Emanuel.

The Lincoln school defended its position by submitting the boy to a barrage of tests and finally told Natalia that her son would not be accepted because the school could not provide the attention Emanuel needed and he should be placed in a school that has other children with Down Syndrome.

Natalia defends her son saying that he is a bright child and is now beginning to vocalize, recognizes colours and geometric figures.

The purpose of Ley 7600 is to permit the disabled to integrate into society and develop their skills to their individual capacity.

Natalia said that when it comes to schools, the Lincoln is not the only school to discriminate and close their doors to the disabled. Emanuel's mother said that she visited a number of other schools and she got the same response.

"The reason for my action (appeal) is not only that my son get in at Lincoln, but will serve for all disabled children, so that no other family has to go through what I have lived", said Natalia.

Natalia Quesada made a call to all parents of disabled children to demand their rights be respected and not to fear making a complaint or making an appeal as she did even though it is a long and hard process.