Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM)
The theme for this year’s DRAM was ‘Consolidate and Accelerate Rights of Persons with Disabilities into the Future. We should work together to promote the rights of people with disabilities and make sure that they have the same opportunities and choices as others.
If you are wondering what disability means, it’s a term that covers a variety of impairments that may affect a person’s body, mind, senses, emotions, or development. These are referred to as physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, and developmental disabilities. Some people are born with disabilities, while others may acquire them later in life due to accidents, illnesses, or other causes.
According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of the world’s population lives with some form of disability.
Challenges Faced by People with Disabilities
In our country, the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities is the main government body that looks after the interests of people with disabilities. The department works with different partners and stakeholders to develop and implement policies and programmes that help people with disabilities improve their quality of life. As well as to protect them from discrimination and abuse.
Some of the key challenges that people with disabilities face in South Africa include:
- Getting access to education, health care, employment, social protection, and justice
- Involvement in decision-making, leadership, and governance
- Representation in media, arts, culture, and sports
- Recognition for their diversity, dignity, and contributions
Creating a Better Environment for Persons with Disabilities
How can we help create a more supportive and inclusive environment for people with disabilities? Here are some suggestions:
- Learn and teach others about the rights and needs of people with disabilities, and challenge the stereotypes and stigma that they face
- Respect the preferences and choices of people with disabilities, and use appropriate and respectful language and communication methods
- Provide reasonable accommodation and accessibility for people with disabilities, and ensure that they have equal access to information, resources, and opportunities
- Encourage and support the participation and leadership of people with disabilities in our teams, projects, and networks
- Celebrate and showcase the talents, skills, and achievements of people with disabilities, and acknowledge their contributions to our organization and society
As we reflect on the past month and celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let us use this time as an opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate together, and to consolidate and accelerate our commitment to disability rights and inclusion.
Together, we can make a difference!
