Help for people with intellectual disabilities
The South African Federation for Mental Health (SAFMH) wants services for people with Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Illnesses to improve.
People with intellectual disabilities are found to be among the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalised in South Africa, the Randburg-based South African Federation for Mental Health said.
For this reason the federation is campaigning for the improvement of services for people with intellectual disabilities by formulating an advocacy document on the improvement of services for these people.
“The federation is passionate about reaching out to people with mental health disabilities, especially those in rural areas who do not have access to the support and care they need,” said Bharti Patel, the federation’s national director.
According to the federation, education, therapy and stimulation for children with intellectual disabilities are critical to their hopes of achieving greater independence and to participate in the community.
However, less than 10 percent of disabled children attend school in Africa and the health conditions and support needs of people with intellectual disabilities are neglected topics.
March is Intellectual Disability Awareness Month in South Africa.
Details: South African Federation for Mental Health 011 781 1852.
