Resources

In Peru, 3.2 million people with disabilities face multiple barriers to exercising their rights on equal terms. This is reflected in low levels of participation in key areas: only 43.7% are part of the economically active population, just 29.8% of people with disabilities aged 15 and older have completed secondary education, and only 40.2% sought medical care when experiencing health issues. Despite being a middle-high income country, Peru provides limited public support services for people with disabilities, particularly for those requiring high levels of support. These shortcomings create a significant economic burden on families and undermine the autonomy of people with disabilities.The study uses the "Goods and Services Required" (GSR) methodology to estimate the average costs incurred by people with disabilities to participate equally in society. Five key categories were assessed: assistive technologies, human support, rehabilitation and therapy, mobility and accessibility, and health and complementary services. Data was collected through in-person and virtual surveys in Lima, Cusco, and Iquitos, covering both adults and children with disabilities.Findings show that the monthly cost of living with a disability significantly exceeds the national average monthly income (S/. 1,566). Costs are especially high for children with multiple disabilities or deafblindness, reaching up to S/. 8,800 per month. The most significant expense is human support, which can account for up to 64% of total monthly costs. Many families prefer private services despite being unable to afford them, due to limited availability or poor quality of public options. Families resort to coping strategies such as relocating, fundraising, or self-providing therapies and education.The report also highlights the heavy financial and emotional burden on households, a widespread lack of information about disability-related services, and serious obstacles to obtaining official disability certification. Although Peru has legal frameworks in place, partial implementation has left families to privately cover needs that should be publicly addressed.ConclusionsThe cost of living with a disability in Peru is high and not adequately supported by current public policies. Existing programs, such as the CONTIGO cash transfer (S/. 300/month), are insufficient. A more comprehensive approach is needed, taking into account different levels of support and specific needs based on disability type and life stage.Key RecommendationsEnsure universal access to health and rehabilitation services.Coordinate intersectoral distribution of assistive technologies.Create a National Care System and compensate family caregivers.Improve accessibility in public transportation.Strengthen national data collection on disability.Reform the CONTIGO Program to expand eligibility and increase transfer amounts.Provide tax benefits and deductions for disability-related expenses.Promote effective use of regional and local budgets allocated for disability inclusion