Program Discovering Ability, an Opportunity
WHAT IS DCO?
Discovering Ability, an Opportunity (DCO) was created in response to the needs of people with disabilities regarding access to opportunities for social inclusion under equitable conditions. Through this program, people with disabilities discover their abilities and begin their path toward autonomy. In this way, it contributes to reducing the barriers present in society related to communication, education, social acceptance, and access to employment.
Inspired by the method of
Dr. María Luisa Piraquive
The program is based on “Discovering Ability, an Opportunity,” a method developed by Dr. María Luisa Piraquive to transform lives through an interdisciplinary approach. Thanks to its principles and phases, it allows identifying abilities and creating opportunities that promote development and progress. Its central focus is the human being, who is provided with tools at any time in life when facing conditions of need and vulnerability.
DCO IMPACT
We work in an integrated way to ensure effective professional inclusion, involving people with disabilities as well as their families, businesses, and public entities.
Effective coordination: We prepare and support each stakeholder to ensure successful professional inclusion.
Empowerment and independence: We facilitate the development of skills and the adoption of new routines for people with disabilities and their families.
Digital connection and access to opportunities: We enable people with disabilities living in rural areas to access virtual education and sell their products online.
Projects
Without Limits
Without Limits promotes entrepreneurship and the development of people with disabilities and their caregivers by applying the “Discovering Ability, an Opportunity” method by Dr. María Luisa Piraquive.
Talking Hands
We train people with or without disabilities, both in-person and virtually, in kindness and inclusive communication through the learning of Colombian Sign Language.
Written Communication
This program aims to strengthen written Spanish as a second language for deaf people in order to reduce communication barriers.
COOPERATION MISSIONS FOR INCLUSION
The International María Luisa de Moreno Foundation has carried out cooperation missions with international entities specialized in disability. Thanks to these exchanges, key knowledge has been acquired to develop a sustainable and replicable model of inclusive employment on a global scale.
Dr. María Luisa Piraquive presents her method at the UN
