MAKING INCLUSION A REALITY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

By Morapedi Sibeko

• • People with disabilities face many challenges in their daily lives, from discrimination to exclusion from participation in society in general, and in the economy in particular.
  •  If people with disabilities were included in the workplace, economies could improve their gross domestic product (GDP) by up to 7%.
  • It is important to note that the inclusion of people with disabilities strengthens society as a whole. Organisations that are inclusive are more creative and effective, according to the United Nations.

Picture a world where all people are given the chance to flourish and use their special gifts, regardless of their abilities. Inclusion would no longer only be a dream but a reality for people with disabilities.

Inclusion has the power to improve economies and society. Every 3 December, people around the world commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This serves as a reminder that accepting diversity makes communities stronger, more creative, and more caring for everybody.

Persons with disabilities can face many obstacles: discrimination, stigma, or exclusion from education and employment opportunities. They often find themselves living in a world of exclusion, where they experience a startlingly high unemployment rate, which leaves them at risk of poverty and inadequate social protection. These obstacles deny people with disabilities the chance to engage fully in society, and this in turn has a disturbing financial impact.

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) estimates there are one billion persons with disabilities globally, and 80% are of working age.

Statistics South Africa notes that there are 3.3 million people with disabilities, in a population of 62 million.

Often, people with disabilities have to deal with many obstacles to equal opportunities in the workplace. These can range from attitudinal and physical to informational barriers.

The ILO estimates that if persons with disabilities were treated like those without disabilities, economies could benefit from an up to 7% increase in a country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

The social cost is even higher given marginalisation deprives communities of important viewpoints and contributions.

The inclusion of people with disabilities strengthens society as a whole. Organisations that are inclusive are more creative and effective, according to the United Nations.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) frequently asserts that disability is a component of human diversity. It should be accepted as a normal and essential aspect of life rather than something to be dreaded or disregarded. Creating an inclusive society acknowledges this fact and strives to provide chances for everyone to prosper.

Including people with disabilities is a societal obligation rather than just a requirement of regulation: changes can be made by increasing their employability, promoting inclusive employment and creating enabling environments.

In addition to people with disabilities, older people, parents pushing strollers, and those recuperating from injuries also benefit from accessibility enhancements including ramps, subtitles, and assistive technologies.

A road map for inclusion is offered in South Africa by policy frameworks like the White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities as well as the Department of Social Development’s own framework, which articulate the interventions needed to ensure economic security, decent jobs and general inclusivity within society.

However, policies on their own are insufficient. It is necessary to address societal attitudes and make sure that accessibility is considered in the design of systems such as infrastructure, jobs, and education.

Society as a whole suffers a loss when people with disabilities are excluded; it is not only an injustice. Inclusion of people with disabilities is a means of achieving creativity, equity, and advancement. “Disability inclusion is not just the right thing to do; it is the smart thing to do,” campaigners remind us.

The potential of millions of people can be unlocked, poverty can be decreased, and a sustainable future where everyone has a place at the table can be created by placing a high priority on inclusion. All stakeholders, government, corporations, and communities, must work together to remove obstacles and create systems that allow individuals with disabilities to thrive.

Everyone is strengthened by disability inclusion. Let us make it a pillar of our common goal for a more promising and inclusive future.

Morapedi Sibeko is the Events Manager in the Department of Social Development.