The Milei administration faced backlash for using outdated and offensive terms to describe disabled individuals in an official resolution. Disability rights organizations condemned the language as discriminatory, prompting a retraction from the government. The incident highlights the need for more inclusive language reflecting current standards and a shift away from stigmatizing rhetoric.
President Javier Milei’s administration in Argentina has stirred controversy by using outdated terms like “idiot,” “imbecile,” and “mentally deficient” in an official resolution concerning disabled individuals. Issued on January 16 by the Agencia Nacional de Discapacidad (ANDIS), part of the Health Ministry, the resolution outlines criteria for assessing eligibility for disability allowances while relying on derogatory language from historical documents.
The terminology has faced widespread condemnation from disability rights organizations which argue that it is discriminatory and contradicts Argentina’s commitments to United Nations regulations. A coalition of seven human rights groups, including ACIJ and CELS, demanded the repeal of the resolution, calling it a violation of the rights of people with disabilities.
In response to backlash, the Milei government agreed to update the language used in the resolution, aiming to align it with contemporary medical and regulatory standards. ANDIS clarified that, while the terminology would change, the evaluation criteria for disability allowances would remain intact.
The controversy resulted in consequences within ANDIS, with the dismissal of medical oversight coordinator Miriam Améndola, who contributed to the documents. Diego Spagnuolo, ANDIS chief and signatory of the resolution, accepted responsibility for the oversight while noting the priority of providing correct terms moving forward.
The problematic terms were included in ANDIS’ Resolution 187/2025, which classifies various levels of intellectual disability for pension assessments. This language echoes a 1998 decree from former President Carlos Menem—an inspiration for Milei—highlighting a problematic continuity in discourse regarding disability.
Critics pointed to Milei’s own derogatory rhetoric, as he often labels opponents with similarly harsh terms, arguing this fosters discrimination against those with disabilities. Agostina Quiroz, a lawyer for ACIJ, stated the government’s use of such language is alarming, noting it should actively combat discrimination, not perpetuate it.
The ACIJ has emphasized a shift from the medical model of disability, focusing on deficiencies, to a social model embracing community interaction and support. This aligns with the belief that all disabled individuals have the potential to work given appropriate resources and environments conducive to their success.
Using outdated and negative terminology can inflict harm on disabled individuals and their families, perpetuating damaging stereotypes that create barriers to inclusion. Achieving a fair and inclusive society requires the dismantling of these harmful attitudes, beginning with language used by government authorities.
The recent use of archaic language in an official government resolution regarding disabled individuals in Argentina has sparked significant backlash. The Milei administration has recognized the need to update this offensive terminology while maintaining evaluation criteria. This incident underscores the importance of aligning language with modern understandings of disability and fostering a more inclusive society that recognizes the potential of all individuals.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
