Disability Rights Awareness Month launched
Disability Rights Awareness Month kicked off on 3 November and will continue for a month until 3 December 2019.
A number of topics are to be discussed during a four-week period to mark Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM).
DRAM will run from 3 November until 3 December 2019.
According to Shalen Gajadhar, director of communications for the Department of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, the month-long campaign aims to raise awareness of the harmful effects of stigmatisation, prejudice and stereotyping on the disabled sector. The campaign also aims to celebrate individuals who have overcome prejudice, societal barriers, and hardship to excel in their chosen fields.
The theme for DRAM is ‘Together, Building South Africa Inclusive of Disability Rights’ and the following topics will be discussed to focus attention on the priority areas identified by the disability sector.
• Week 1: Children and young people with disabilities empowered to chart their own destiny through access to quality lifelong learning.
• Week 2: A built environment accessible to all persons with disabilities.
• Week 3: Persons with disabilities as equal players in building inclusive economies.
• Week 4: Children and women with disabilities – feeling and being safe as equal citizens in their communities.
The Herald went to speak to three locals with disabilities to find out from them the challenges they face on a daily basis.
