Mexico

January 5, 2010

Geographic map of North America with Mexico highlightedMission
To provide persons with disabilities work rehabilitation that enables them to find competitive jobs. Industrias de Buena Voluntad, I.A.P. helps persons with disabilities achieve economic self sufficiency so that they can become independent, contributing members of society.

In 1993, I.A.P. (Goodwill Mexico) was founded. It was a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Tecamachalco in Mexico City, Goodwill Houston and the Rotary District of Houston, Texas.

Programs and Services
Goodwill Mexico has two locations in Mexico City which serve as training facilities and retail stores. The agency’s nine job training workshops include: administrative skills, carpentry, stained glass, computer training, sewing, basket weaving, silk screen printing, gardening and electronics repair. A successful program makes disposable clothing for use in hospitals.

Financial Support (2005-2009): Government, $1,233,034.00 pesos (US$ 90,000): other organizations $863,267.00 pesos (US$ 63,000)
Clients Served: More than 2,500 people with disabilities in over 15 years

Contact Information
Industrias De Buena Voluntad, I.A.P.
Alvaro Obregon # 178
Mexico   06700
Tel.: 011-52-55-5584-1226
Fax: 011-52-55-5584-1292
E-mail: ibviap@avantel.net
www.industriasdebuenavoluntadiap.org.mx

Country Profile
Country name: Mexico
Capital: Mexico City
Population: 111,211,789
Land Area: 761,606 square miles
President: Felipe Calderon (2006-2012)
Language: Spanish
Unemployment: 5.17 percent, underemployment estimated at 25 percent
GDP (PPP): $1.559 trillion
GDP (PPP) per capita/average income: $14,200
Statistics for Persons with Disabilities: Only 25 percent of people with disabilities are active economic participants. Of those,  63 percent have not finished elementary school and 45 percent are receiving some kind of help from the government.

State of Disability Legislation
In 2007, Mexico ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. In addition, the country has a General Law for People with Disabilities that was last updated in 2008 and calls for the creation of a National Counsel for People with Disabilities as well as for a more stringent code of equality for people with disabilities.