MADRID—Disabled people took to the streets of Madrid on Sunday
in the latest protest against broad austerity measures, angry
over government cutbacks reducing services, closing disability
centers and forcing care workers from their jobs.  More than
10,000 people, many in wheelchairs or being led by guide dogs,
marched in a demonstration with the slogan "SOS Disability: Save
our Rights, Inclusion and Welfare."  Health care spending falls
under the responsibility of regional governments, many of which
are indebted. Some local administrations have failed to pay
medical centers, forcing cuts in services and a slowdown in the
distribution of medicine.  Protester Manuel Gonzalez said
assistance had decreased and in some cases dried up completely.
"We don't want to be taken back 40 years," he said.  Luis Cayo,
president of the Spanish committee representing the interests of
people with disabilities, said regional governments were in
arrears of around (EURO)300 million ($389.6 million) to care
workers and associatio