Accessibility to education for persons with disability

As the saying goes, all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, which is why it is generally accepted that access to education is a fundamental human right.
The Bill of Rights state that; everyone has the right to basic education, including adult basic education and to further education, which the state, through reasonable measures, must make progressively available and accessible.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has highlighted the need for the allocation of resources and improved access to education for persons with disabilities.

Through education, we can empower ourselves and reduce inequality and discrimination, putting an end to poverty and oppression.
Education is both a human right and a crucial means of realising other human rights.

Also read: The challenge for the disabled is real

However, according to a Human Rights Watch report the South African government has failed to deliver inclusive education for children with disabilities and to ensure that they have adequate skills for employment.
The report states that an estimated 600 000 children with disabilities remain out of school in South Africa.
In 2015, according to government data, nearly 121 500 learners with disabilities were in ‘ordinary’ schools. Over 119 500 learners were enrolled in special schools. In 2017, close to 11 500 children with disabilities were on waiting lists to enrol in special schools.

According to the organisation, the data published by the government did not reflect accurate data.
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities said, “Imagine a South Africa where everyone can move freely and access information swiftly and effortlessly, especially persons with disabilities and where assistive devices are easily available at a reasonable cost.

“Also imagine an environment where organisations fully understand how to align their corporate social investments to the National Development Plan (NDP), with regards to empowering persons with disabilities.”
The international theme proclaimed by the United Nations for this year is:, ‘Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all’.

Persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
The Department of Women, Children and People with Disabilities is responsible for driving the government’s equity, equality and empowerment agenda for those living with disabilities.