In Guatemala, the attitude toward the handicapped is one of charity, not employment opportunity. If a handicapped person makes it in Guatemala, they must be an extraordinary individual. When 50 normal people apply for one job, the disabled person does not have a chance. In Guatemala, the handicapped are placed in a comer and forgotten.
Parents often fail to send their disabled teenagers to school because of their shame.
Because of economy and prevailing attitudes, most Guatemalans with disabilities live with and depend on their families for livelihood.