Call to include disabled

People with disabilities continue to face barriers to equal access

SOUTH Africans joined the world in commemorating International Day of Persons with Disabilities yesterday.

The day aims to promote the rights and well-being of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) in all spheres of society and development.

This year’s theme, “Empowering persons with disabilities and ensuring inclusiveness and equality”, was inspired by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which pledges to “leave no one behind”.

The SA Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) said: “They are excluded in a variety of public spheres, including education and employment, and continue to face physical barriers to equal access to public environments.

“In relation to employment, it is estimated that 80% of PwD are unemployed in South Africa, increasing the prevalence of PwD living in poverty. Within the workplace, the commission has received numerous complaints of victimisation and retrenchment of PwD after disclosing their, or acquiring, impairments in the workplace.”

In relation to inclusive education, the commission said there remains significant barriers against students with disabilities to access mainstream schools, including discrimination in admissions to school, long distances, poor transportation, lack of teachers trained on inclusive education and in sign language, Braille and easy-read skills, lack of accessible curricula, and negative societal attitudes opposing attendance of children with disabilities to regular and inclusive schools.

“There is a need for a shift toward more inclusive practises in South Africa. Beyond inclusivity, persons and children with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to sexual abuse in our society. Sadly, according to South Africa’s 2016/17 crime statistics, less than 15% of people accused of rape were taken to trial, and less than 5% of rapists who are tried get convicted.

The commission has urged the government to put a stop to human rights violations against persons with disabilities. The World Blind Union said: “It is important to note that about 174 states have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and committed to respect, promote and fulfil the rights enshrined therein.

“More than 190 UN member states acknowledge the need to promote inclusive development by ensuring equality for all without leaving anyone behind. We call upon employers to promote inclusive employment by guaranteeing equal opportunities and providing reasonable accommodation to meet their needs of people with disabilities.”