Casual Day is now, like our democracy, in its 30th year.
This year, Casual Day aims to break all its own records and raise R30m for organisations whose work ensures optimal inclusion of persons with disabilities into the mainstream of the national economy.
“We have chalked up many victories as a nation when it comes to universal accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities. But heaps can, and should, still be done,” says Lubabalo Mbeki, director at Access Human Solutions (AHS), a Johanneburg-based business that consults on workplace inclusivity policies and practices and that’s also a recruitment and placement agency for persons with disabilities.
Lubabalo and his AHS colleagues work closely with the owners of Casual Day, the National Council for and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), to advocate for universally accessible workplaces that give persons with disabilities access to the means of economic production and participation.
This then takes the economy a little closer to meaningful diversity and inclusivity and creating opportunities for financial autonomy of an increasing number of persons with disabilities.
Lubabalo (Luba to his friends) has a congenital disability. He was born with phocomelia which requires him to rely on prostheses and crutches for mobility. He is, he says, a living example of what is possible when persons with disabilities are enabled and empowered.
“Casual Day,” he says, “is a powerful platform for bringing disability matters into the mainstream of public debate and consciousness and to advocate for full and universal inclusivity of persons with disabilities.”
While Casual Day has raised more than R455m since its inception, the day is not only about raising money.
“It’s as much about creating a nation of advocates for disability rights. Casual Day is an opportunity for us all to stand up and demonstrate that we support the basic human rights of all South Africans: rights that millions take for granted, but that are denied to many others.”
He is reminded every day, he says, of the immeasurable value of giving a person the means to earn a living: to be independent; have personal, professional and financial integrity and experience the dignity and autonomy that comes with not relying on others.
“AHS is in partnership with Casual Day to deliver, raise awareness and make sure every rand raised is put to good use,” he says.
“Casual Day invites all South Africans – both persons with and without disabilities – to join us in our quest for enabling, and empowering our fellow citizens.”
There are numerous ways to support Casual Day. One way is to show visible support by buying a Casual Day sticker and wearing it on the first Friday in September. Another way is for employers to invest in universal workplace accessibility and to recruit persons with disabilities into the workforce.
“This not only gives persons with disabilities the means to earn a living, but it also normalises disability, celebrates the diversity of the nation and encourages persons without disabilities to deepen their understanding and empathy of a world that many know very little about.”
Find out more about Casual Day and where to buy Casual Day stickers and merchandise by visiting https://casualday.co.za/shop/
