Power of disability rights celebrated
"A blind learner will learn without a pen and books, and the only time that you learn is when there is a teacher in front of you speaking out loud"
MALALANE – The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, Commission for Gender Equality, Department of Social Development and DeafSA gathered at the Kruger National Park, Skukuza’s Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre for Disability Rights Awareness last week. The main objective of the event was to encourage and remind the people with disabilities about their rights.
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This function was also held to remind the attendees of the National Development Plan’s objectives as it advocates that conscious and specific measures must be taken to remove barriers and foster equitable access to all persons with disabilities to budgets, services and opportunities, and emphasises the responsibility for disability inclusion. Lucky Mabuza from the Commission for Gender Equality said during his message of support, that as the commission they appreciate and take note that departments or buildings now cater for people with disabilities by adding ramps and employing people with disabilities.
Some are born with a disability, some fall ill or have an accident that results in a disability, while others develop it as they age or during some point in their lives. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform strives to play a part in breaking down these barriers and ensure that the stigma or perception attached to disabilities diminishes. Furthermore, persons with disabilities are encouraged to declare it when they apply for work so that the company can cater for their needs and it will also assist in budgeting for the department as some need special devices, ablution facilities and voice prompts.
Attesting for people who are blind, Elliot Mashaba from social development said, “A blind learner will learn without a pen and books, and the only time that you learn is when there is a teacher in front of you speaking out loud. But today I urge everyone never to look down on blind persons, because there are more devices that assist in educating us until the tertiary level.”
Kruger National Park went on to mention that they have launched the forum that aims at supporting both staff and tourists living with disabilities. The game drive vehicles are equipped with a mobile jack that persons using a wheelchair can utilise, and the Bergendal camp has voice prompt devices that educate blind people about the wildlife and parks.
