People with disabilities represent the world’s biggest minority group, with an estimated 1 billion people worldwide having some form of disability. Here in South Africa, over 10% of our population are living with disabilities, yet this substantial segment of the population regularly faces discrimination and lack of access to basic rights such as education, work, healthcare and social inclusion.
Today we kick off National Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM), which will culminate in the celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3rd December. As a leader of an organisation that is immersed in the work of disability integration, this is a particularly important period for me and my team as it allows us to turn up the volume and maximise our efforts in the goals that we work towards throughout the year.
Earlier this year, the SA Cabinet approved the theme for DRAM 2023 as: “Consolidate and Accelerate Rights of Persons with Disabilities into the Future” with the campaign focusing on raising awareness of persons with disabilities in our society, and also celebrating the progress the country has made to provide space for the active participation of people with disabilities in our drive for economic growth.
It’s a sad fact that the majority of people with disabilities continue to face barriers to inclusion and they don’t enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others. Statistics show that in South Africa a mere 5% of people with disabilities have a Grade 12. In addition, persons with disabilities make up less than 1% of the reported workforce and it is estimated that around 95% of persons with disabilities are unemployed. Negative attitudes, stigma and a lack of knowledge and awareness are some of the factors that contribute to these statistics and result in discrimination against people with disabilities. The working environment presents its own set of barriers that make it difficult for people with disabilities to enter or succeed in the workplace.
Overcoming the many barriers faced by people with disabilities starts with awareness and education, which is exactly what DRAM is all about. One of the best ways to eliminate the stigma that surrounds disability is to encourage dialogue and open discussion around this “taboo” issue. It’s time to talk to people with disabilities and listen to their stories. Educating ourselves and those around us about disability will empower people with disabilities and create real opportunities for inclusion and acceptance.
