Dobsonville disability awareness inspires an inclusive community
The Department of Social Development calls on people living with disabilities to utilise services offered to support individuals and families at Kopanong Center.
As the world strives for greater inclusivity, disability awareness remains a crucial aspect of promoting equality and social justice.
The Department of Social Development (DSD) cluster office at Kopanong Center (KC), Dobsonville, is working to ensure that individuals with disabilities have access to the same opportunities and services as their able-bodied counterparts.
According to the social work supervisor, Hlengiwe Mazibuko, disability awareness is essential in breaking down the barriers that prevent people with disabilities from fully participating in society.
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“Through educating ourselves and others about disability, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and compassionate community.”
She said that the department’s social workers play a critical role in providing support and referrals to individuals with disabilities, to ensure that they have access to the services and resources they need to live fulfilling lives.
“Our team of social workers is dedicated to rendering social programs and referrals to other stakeholders so that people with disabilities can access all services regardless of their disability,” Mazibuko explains.“
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“This includes providing support with employment, education, and healthcare, as well as connecting individuals with disability-specific services and resources.”
Mazibuko noted that their initiative also includes elderly abuse programmes, statutory services that involve legal placements of vulnerable children, and poverty alleviation programmes.
She explained that the elderly are exposed to various abuse in many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse and neglect.
They are vulnerable to abuse and they are unable to defend themselves or get help, she added.
“Infirmity can be a major barrier to seeking and getting help, and sometimes spotting and challenging abuse in the elderly is not easy.
“Some senior citizens are isolated having outlived family and friends, and some are abused in institutions where abuse is not spotted or is covered up, and in some cases, the elderly are not given priority by authorities in abuse matters.
“As social workers, we rely on community members to report cases of elderly abuse or the misuse of an elderly pension grant.”
KC is calling individuals with disabilities and their families to reach out to seek support.
Public members may contact the office at 011 976 0700 or visit in person for more information or to access their services.
