IPHE to Build New Center in Arraiján to Improve Services for People with Disabilities

The Panamanian Institute for Special Habilitation (IPHE) will reinforce its infrastructure nationwide, starting with the construction of a new module in the West Panama province, specifically in the Arraiján area, where a large portion of the population is concentrated. This will facilitate access to services such as education, stimulation, counseling, biomotor rehabilitation, and more. "If we strengthen this line, we will have better-prepared teachers with specific competencies to attend to students who seek services, resources, and support through IPHE," stated Sánchez in an interview with Panamá América. The lack of infrastructure continues to be a challenge in caring for people with some type of disability in the country, which is why IPHE will reinforce its facilities nationwide. The general director of IPHE, Karelia Sánchez, pointed out that the objective of this new headquarters is to bring the institute closer to the population so they do not have to travel to La Chorrera, the location of its only branch in the province, in search of assistance. "Disability is not a limitation or a barrier for them to be able to learn, be inserted into society or regular schools," she emphasized. She added that people living with some type of disability receive assistance from a multidisciplinary team upon arriving at the entity, including psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, and physical assistants, to adjust the services to their needs. The study also revealed that most citizens are diagnosed late and that after the age of 50, the probability of developing a condition increases. While students, upon completing their studies, receive training in intermediate technical careers such as gastronomy and hospitality, they are then included in an internship program to facilitate their insertion into society and allow companies to verify that they are fully trained to perform any task assigned to them. Among the areas with the highest incidence in the country are the Ngäbe-Buglé region, Herrera, Guna Yala, West Panama, Coclé, Panama, and Colón. She reiterated that her goal for 2026 is to modernize the institution's teaching-learning process, promoting the effective insertion of young people into the labor field, for which they will supply the classrooms with necessary materials and strengthen teacher training and research programs. Additionally, the José "Porky" Ruiz Gymnasium will be equipped to provide comprehensive care to students that aligns with the technological and curricular needs of the 21st century. Statistics The National Disability Survey (ENDIS-2), published last November, revealed that 1 in 6 Panamanians suffers from some type of disability, which is equivalent to more than 781,000 people.