Born in La Orotava, Tenerife, Juan José Reyes Roig He began his military career in 1980 in the Armybeing stationed in the old Recruit Instruction Center No. 15 of Hoya Fría. However, an accident during his admission to the General Basic Academy of Non-Commissioned Officers caused him a polyradiculoneuritiswhich kept him in wheelchair for a year. Although he regained mobility arms and legssuffers permanent sequelae that especially affect his legs, limiting his mobility.
Since 1989, founding year of ACIM, Juan José Reyes Roig He has been linked to the association, first as a provincial delegate in Tenerife and, after the territorial restructuring, at the head of ACIME Canarias. In 2018 he assumed the First Vice Presidency under the leadership of Manuel Molinero, whom recently relieved as presidentand. His goal is to continue the legacy of his predecessors, working by and for the military and civil guards with disabilities.
What were the initial reasons for founding ACIME and what specific needs did they aim to cover for military personnel and civil guards with disabilities?
ACIME was born in 1989 with the aim of fighting for the recognition and rights of soldiers and civil guards who acquired a disability during the exercise of their duties. At that time, with the declaration of extinction of the Corps that protected them, many were left without employment, without remuneration and with significant disabilities.
The work of the founders, together with the support of more than 16,000 colleagues who joined ACIME, ensured that, even if they retired, they did so with a decent pension. Having overcome this first obstacle, ACIME has evolved to adapt to the changing needs of the group.
What do you consider to be the biggest challenges faced by soldiers and civil guards with disabilities today? And how does ACIME address these needs?The main challenge is to ensure that the State Security Forces and Corps have the will and capacity to relocate colleagues who, despite acquiring a disability, wish to continue serving in the Army or the Civil Guard.
Another historical demand is the recognition of their dedication and sacrifice. At a social level, there is still a great lack of knowledge about military disability. In the military sphere, the resolution of issues such as honorary promotions, which do not imply economic benefits but represent a fundamental moral reparation, is still pending. In summary, the main demands of the group are recognition, honorary promotions, moral reparation and non-exclusion from work.
At a social level, there is still a great lack of knowledge about military disability
In your opinion, what achievements or advances in legislation or resources have been most significant for the group in recent years?One of the most important milestones was the inclusion of ACIME in the disability associative movement as a member of CERMI. This promoted initiatives such as the Comprehensive Disability Support Plan in the Armed Forces, approved in 2015, and the creation of the Disability Assistance Office in the FAS.
Another key achievement was the modification in 2015 of Law 39/2007 on the Military Career, which introduced advances in the granting of honorary promotions. Additionally, in 2014, the Ministry of Defense facilitated the participation of associations of retired and disabled military personnel in the Armed Forces Personnel Council, allowing ACIME to present and defend proposals annually at the COPERFAS Plenary.
Could you explain to us what the Comprehensive Disability Support Plan in the Armed Forces consists of and what impact it has?
The Comprehensive Plan, approved in 2015, aims to guarantee equal opportunities and integration of military personnel with disabilities. It is structured in four axes: organizational, regulatory, informative and training.
The Disability Assistance Office in the FAS is the catalyst center of this Plan. Its functions include raising awareness among military personnel about disabilities, training in accessibility and preparing statistical studies to understand the real needs of the group. This allows institutions and associations such as ACIME to articulate specialized care programs.
ACIME collaborates in awareness seminars. What are the priority issues you seek to address?Over the years, we have addressed issues such as differences in the treatment of military disability between countries, moral reparation, pensions, inclusive sport and the visibility of disability as an element of defense culture.
The inclusion of military women with disabilities has been a recent topic in these seminars. What specific aspects require more visibility and support?In the last International Seminar, we focused on women who acquired a disability during the exercise of their duties. They represent 5% of military disabilities, given their lower proportion in the Armed Forces. It is crucial not to lose sight of the possible specific needs of this emerging group.
What role does inclusive sport play in ACIME and how does it contribute to the well-being of its members?Sports are key in the rehabilitation and integration of soldiers with disabilities. From our Sports Division, we promote its practice, support professional athletes and work to make competitions more inclusive. A notable achievement was the first Military Inclusive Triathlon World Championship in 2022. In addition, we have elite athletes such as Isabel Fernández (parakarate), Gustavo Molina (paraduathlon), Daniel Lamata (Paralympic fencing) and Jean Pedraza (athletics).
How does collaboration with CERMI help to make visible and defend the rights of military personnel with disabilities?Being part of CERMI has allowed us to learn from other realities and defend our rights more strongly. This collaboration has promoted key projects such as the Comprehensive Disability Support Plan in the FAS and has united us with entities such as the ONCE Foundation, which always supports us.
What message would you like to convey to society about soldiers and civil guards with disabilities?Military disability remains unknown to many, but interviews like this help make it visible. Despite the physical consequences, the values of soldiers with disabilities, such as camaraderie and the spirit of service, remain intact. These values, shared by all people with disabilities, are an example of daily improvement.
#Juan #José #Reyes #ACIME #great #challenge #relocate #military #personnel #civil #guards #disabilities #continue #serving
