Disabled people’s needs highlighted
"Evidence and experience shows that when barriers to their inclusion are removed and persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in societal life, their entire community benefits."
As the country commemorates Disability Rights Awareness Month, the Tembisa Self Help Association of the Disabled (T-SHAD) hosted a disability awareness event at T-SHAD Hall on Friday last week.
T-SHAD Social Services Manager, Mr Edwin Mano, said they wanted to inform people with disabilities of the services they can access from government departments and NGO’s.
“The event was also part of bringing together disabled people and the community in order to socialise and get to know and understand each other,” Mr Mano added.
Mr Mano said they are aiming to remove barriers from people with disabilities by giving them proper information.
“Evidence and experience shows that when barriers to their inclusion are removed and persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in societal life, their entire community benefits. Barriers faced by persons with disabilities are, therefore, a detriment to society as a whole, and accessibility is necessary to achieve progress and development for all,” said Mr Mano.
Members from the Ekurhuleni North District Department of Health, Social Development, Gauteng Legislature, Ithuseng Centre, Voice of Tembisa, AVRON Home, GPAPD, DEAFSA, and the department of education attended the event.
A representative from the Ekurhuleni Health District (NSDR), occupational therapist Ms Ntebo Tjebane, urged disabled people to not have low self-esteem.
The event was sponsored by Swazi Inn Pick ‘n Pay, Magagu Wholesalers and SASKO.
Local artists who took part in the event, entertained the audience.
