THE first-ever Disability and Cultural Festival and Market is set for Saturday, December 9, at the Umhlanga Hindu Society from 09.00 to 16.00.

Three organisations, Kwazulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society (KZNDBS), the South African Hindu Maha Sabha and the Umhlanga Hindu Society, have joined forces to make this event possible.

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Speaking to Northglen News, Akshay Singh, youth convener for the SA Hindu Maha Sabha, told Northglen News that the purpose of the event is to raise disability awareness and celebrate the remarkable strides taken by amazing people who have fought and persevered through life-changing events and disabilities.

“This is a KZNBDS initiative and a remarkable venture which aims to kickstart disability awareness on this day on an annual basis. The SA Hindu Maha Sabha utilised their experience with the conducting and running of fairs, like the annual Durban Diwali Fair, to assist in this project born from the minds behind KZNBDS. The Umhlanga Hindu Society came on board and generously provided the venue at no cost,” he said.

Apart from raising awareness about those living with disabilities, the aim of the event is also to raise funds for the KZNBDS and provide a platform for showcasing talents, fostering understanding and advocating for rights and equal opportunities.

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Veetha Sewkuran, president for the KZNBDS, said the public is invited to the event to enjoy the activities planned by people with disabilities.

“This is the brainchild of the KZN Blind and Deaf Society and the first event of this nature to take place in the province. The general public are invited to attend and enjoy the variety of songs and dances that will be performed by persons with disabilities,” she said.

She added that some of the challenges that blind people face on a daily basis are unemployment, lack of facilities needed to upskill them and make them employable, challenges in accessing information, navigating unfamiliar environments and using certain technology.

“Deaf people battle with communication barriers as many people don’t know sign language unemployment due to lack of skills and access to further education. Those with physical disabilities struggle with mobility and accessibility issues, such as inaccessible buildings and transportation. Each group also may encounter societal attitudes that contribute to discrimination and exclusion.

“Advocacy and awareness efforts aim to address these challenges and promote a more inclusive society,” she added.

Sewkuran encouraged communities to support persons with disabilities by promoting accessibility in public spaces, ensuring inclusive education, creating employment opportunities and offering volunteer services to organisations catering for the needs of various disabilities.

“This is a unique event, and we appeal to the community to come support it. Come along and meet some of The Kandasamys movie stars,” she added.

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