Show your support for world disability day

Today (3 December) marks the International Day of Disabled Persons, marked by the UN from 1992.

The day aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in society.

Here are 5 ways to be inclusive:

1. Focus on the person, not the disability. Learn who they are and avoid showing pity.
2. It’s okay to offer help to someone, but respect them if they say no.
3. When you’re talking to a wheelchair user for more than a few minutes, sit down so you are eye level with them.
4. Ask a deaf or hearing impaired person how they prefer to communicate. Some may be able to hear, lip-read or prefer sign language.
5. Don’t park in disabled parking spot, unless you have a disabled placard.

Here are some ways to show your support locally to the disabled:

1. Assist a disabled neighbour with daily errands.
2. Donate a walking aid (wheelchair, walker or crutches) to your nearest Rotary club.
3. Donate to Thuthukani Special school (TSS) by contacting them on 035 7920080. They look after learners with severe intellectual and physical disabilities.
4. Donate hearing aids or batteries to TSS for their hearing impaired students.
5. Many hospice patients have illness that lead to disabilities. Donate food and other necessities to Zululand Hospice by contacting them on 035 7724910.

Sources: World Health organisation, Easterseals

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