In Chile, nearly 17% of individuals aged two and older—over 3.2 million people—live with some form of disability. That figure is echoed across Latin America and the Caribbean, where approximately 12% of the population, or about 66 million people, experiences at least one type of disability. The challenges faced by women with disabilities are particularly daunting. They encounter not only higher unemployment rates but also a greater risk of poverty and gender-based violence. This intersection of disability and gender disparities highlights an urgent need for comprehensive initiatives that specifically target these issues.
About Us
Fundación Ronda is a leading Chilean non-profit organization with over 10 years of proven experience in fostering an inclusive society. We are determined to break down barriers and create vital opportunities for individuals facing challenges, particularly those with disabilities. Since 2019, we have been a proud member of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), a testament to our unwavering commitment to advancing global inclusion initiatives.
Our Key Focus
Inclusive Business Innovation
We partner with organizations and companies to champion inclusive business practices that create accessible and welcoming workplaces for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. By helping companies meet legal standards for inclusion and diversity, we pave the way for meaningful cultural transformation through engaging, participatory methods. Our approach draws on the real experiences of employees, empowering organizations to cultivate inclusion from within and drive impactful, lasting change.
Empowering Individuals Through Inclusive Programs
We partner with organizations and companies to champion inclusive business practices that create accessible and welcoming workplaces for all individuals, regardless of their abilities. By helping companies meet legal standards for inclusion and diversity, we pave the way for meaningful cultural transformation through engaging, participatory methods. Our approach draws on the real experiences of employees, empowering organizations to cultivate inclusion from within and drive impactful, lasting change.
Policy Advocacy
We are dedicated to actively participating in legislative processes, supporting parliamentary discussions, and creating alliances to champion policies that protect the rights and ensure the inclusion of individuals with disabilities and women. Our advocacy efforts resonate at both national and international levels, not only shaping public policy but also fortifying the legal frameworks that drive equity and social justice forward.
The Landscape of Disability and Women in Chile and Latin America
Our Vision for the Future
Ronda Foundation is committed to expanding access to quality information to better understand and address the needs of individuals with disabilities. We aim to develop innovative projects that leverage new technologies to support inclusion, ensuring that advancements benefit everyone in our society.
Our Programs
Transition to Independent Living
Transition to Independent Living was a program aimed at enhancing the autonomy of people with disabilities, enabling them to carry out their daily activities using their own skills and resources.
Its specific objectives were to strengthen job skills, foster inclusive entrepreneurship, promote social inclusion, and facilitate access to employment opportunities through the Personal Development Plan.
Its specific objectives were to strengthen job skills, foster inclusive entrepreneurship, promote social inclusion, and facilitate access to employment opportunities through the Personal Development Plan.
Residence Transformarse
This psychosocial development model is aimed at people with disabilities and their support network. It seeks to develop their self-management, communication, and leadership skills to increase their autonomy and achieve effective inclusion.
We have a residence in Puerto Montt, which is part of this program, providing a supportive space for people with intellectual disabilities.
Training and Socio-Labor Inclusion Program for People with Disabilities (Law 21.015)
This program aims to promote the labor inclusion of people with disabilities, funded by donations from companies complying with Law 21.015. It stands out for its decentralized approach, addressing the needs of people with disabilities and promoting gender parity.
Its execution is based on two pillars: training (soft skills, information technologies, oral and written expression) and mediation (awareness talks, job follow-up, workplace adjustments). It has been implemented in regions such as Los Lagos, Valparaíso, Coquimbo, and the Metropolitan Region.
Territorial Inclusion Program
Thanks to the Territorial Inclusion Program (PIT), more than 85 representatives from 80 organizations for and of people with disabilities have strengthened their capacities in areas such as civic participation, rights, and project management.
A long-standing dream of Fundación Ronda has been to democratize information and empower civil society in regions, particularly with the recent developments in the reform of Law 21.015 on labor inclusion. We aim to join the collective effort of preparing hundreds of organizations to be part of the Project Bank and recipients of donations. Only by doing so can we truly talk about inclusion
Protagonistas
The Protagonistas Program, launched in 2021, recognizes the caretaking work of women in Chile, particularly those caring for people with disabilities or in situations of dependency. The program provides tools for self-awareness and self-care to help reduce feelings of overload, improve emotional well-being, foster autonomy, and encourage personal projects. Since its inception, 310 caregivers from 12 communes across Chile have participated, including places such as La Serena, Viña del Mar, Maipú, and Castro.
My Decision
This program aimed to support people with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 70, along with their support networks, with the goal of promoting self-determination, greater independence in their roles, and fostering mutual support by connecting individuals to collaborate with each other.
