Remove physical and attitudinal barriers to empower people with disabilities

CAPE TOWN - The challenges faced by people living with disabilities were in the spotlight as countries across the world observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities and National Disability Rights Awareness Day.

The commemorative days, which both occur on 3 December, followed Disability Rights Awareness month, which wrapped up in November.

For people with disabilities, basic things able-bodied people take for granted can be extremely difficult without the proper support.

The observance of these days is to promote an understanding of disability issues and offer support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

Having a disability is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or a combination of these.

Western Cape Social Development MEC, Sharna Fernandez, said when social, physical, and attitudinal barriers are removed, persons with disabilities are empowered.

Fernandez says her department is playing its part to improve the lives of people living with disabilities.

Fernandez says in the current financial year, the department has allocated R24 million to daycare centres, almost R20 million to protective workshops and R49.7 million to NPOs across the province -who provide accommodation, care and support services to people living with disabilities.

She says over R60.5 million rand has been allocated to social services organisations - which assist 45 000 people through these services.

Fernandez says while this month is meant to celebrate the rights of persons with disabilities, it should not be limited to a month, but should instead take place every day:

“We have encouraged citizens to uphold and protect the rights of those with special needs, as these are the very same human rights enshrined in our Constitution."