A struggle that gave birth to a social movement

The case of elevator “scissor” doors in Buenos Aires City

Abstract

We narrate the story of how a struggle to safeguard the right to mobility gave rise to a movement advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities. It revolved around the rejection of architectural barriers imposed on existing elevators in Buenos Aires City. These barriers stemmed from an ordinance aimed at enhancing elevator safety. This struggle pitted organizations representing and supporting individuals with disabilities, who demanded accessibility, against a lobby comprising elevator manufacturers and the labor union representing workers in apartment and office buildings. The latter group purportedly advocated for user safety, particularly that of children, but in reality defended a network of economic interests. The confrontation unfolded across the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, as well as within the Argentine Bureau of Standards (IRAM) and the mass media. Throughout this battle, the Disability Rights Network (REDI - Red por los Derechos de las Personas con Discapacidad) was established.