Stakeholders raise awareness of the rights of people with disabilities

Every year from 3 November to 3 December, South Africa commemorates Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM).

The 30 days of awareness, support and activism lead up to the commemoration of the National Day of Persons With Disabilities (NDPD), on 3 December.

The theme for NDPD this year is ‘Together Building Communities Inclusive of Disability Rights’. This is a movement that the members of the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) and the Roodepoort Police feel very strongly about. Which is why the police kicked off their 16 Days of Activism by taking part in a Disability Rights Awareness event on 25 November, hosted by the Persons With Disabilities (PWD) Sub Unit of the Department of Social Development.

The police and representatives from Social Development were joined by DORLJOTA, SASSA, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health. The stakeholders addressed a few of the members of the community with disabilities on issues relating to discrimination, their safety, domestic violence, and crime-prevention tips.

“The purpose of the event was to share information on the rights of persons with disabilities and raise awareness of the harmful effects of stigmatisation, prejudice and stereotypes towards persons with disabilities,” explained Captain Juanita Yorke, spokesperson for the Roodepoort Police.

Captain Yorke also expressed her deepest gratitude to all the stakeholders involved, on behalf of the Roodepoort Police.