Be aware of the rights of the disabled

GEORGE NEWS - South Africa celebrates National Disability Rights Awareness Month annually between 3 November and 3 December. International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 3 December, is also celebrated as National Disability Rights Awareness Day.

George Association for Persons with Disabilities (George APD) seeks to engage community members, businesses, schools, government departments and other stakeholders in addressing the void that exists in realising the rights of persons with disabilities.

George APD, a non-profit organisation that aims to render specialised social work and support services to persons with disabilities and their families from birth to age 59, operates in the George municipal area.

This extends to areas such as Hoekwil / Touwsranten and Geelhoutboom. Community members and family members are urged to make contact with our office if they are aware of such persons in need of services.

"Persons with disabilities experience difficulty in accessing education and employment opportunities," said Glen Fortuin, a community development worker.

"At the heart of our services, we have our specialised day care centre for persons with severe and profound physical and/or intellectual disabilities. At Optima Special Day Care Centre with two divisions - child care and education and adult day care - the beneficiaries attend daily during the week, where they enjoy stimulation and education programmes specifically designed for them."

Leigh Angel Jansen reminds the public to follow APD George on Facebook.

More about disability

Disability is a consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these. A disability may be present from birth or occur during a person's lifetime.

According to the Stats SA census report of 2021 based on the 2011 census, the national disability prevalence rate is 7,5% and disability is more prevalent among females (8,3%) than males (6,5%). Further analysis shows that 11% of persons aged five years and older had sight impairments, 4,2% had cognitive difficulties (remembering / concentrating), 3,6% had hearing difficulties and about 2% had communication, self care and walking difficulties.

Jarobeam Meyer during a peaceful march by APD George in September this year to create awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities.