In Mato Grosso do Sul, individuals with cleft lip and palate, also known as cleft lip, along with people presenting congenital craniofacial anomalies and related syndromes, have been officially recognized as Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
This recognition was formalized with the sanction of Law No. 6,643 this Monday, the 26th, by Governor Eduardo Riedel (PP), and subsequently published in the State Official Gazette (DOE).
Cleft lip and palate is defined as a congenital malformation resulting from the incomplete formation or fusion of the tissues of the upper lip and palate during gestation, specifically between the fourth and twelfth week. This condition can affect various vital functions, such as the ability to speak, hear, eat, and breathe, requiring treatments that may include surgeries and multidisciplinary follow-up for several years.
According to the new legislation, the status of a person with a disability is conditioned on meeting the parameters defined by Federal Law No. 13,146, which establishes the Brazilian Law on the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
Understanding the criteria
Federal legislation defines a person with a disability as one who has a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment. This impairment, when interacting with one or more barriers, can limit or prevent the person's full and effective participation in society, ensuring equal conditions with other citizens.
The legislative initiative was proposed by state deputy Lia Nogueira (PSDB). According to her, the objective of this new law is to provide greater legal solidity and effectiveness to public policies aimed at inclusion. The parliamentarian justified that cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies can generate physical, functional, aesthetic, and social restrictions, which prevents these people from participating fully and effectively in society on equal footing.