Cape Town - This year, to commemorate National Disability Month, the Department of Social Development in the Western Cape pledges to continue its ongoing projects that have been running throughout the year.
In a statement, the department says it will partner with various NPOs to provide services to people living with disabilities. These services include Disability awareness and educational programmes, Developmental supportive and therapeutic services like counselling, support group programmes, daycare programmes for adults and children with disabilities, support programmes for families/caregivers, protective workshops services and residential care services.
Furthermore, the department has revealed that during the 2021/22 financial year, 108 419 persons with disabilities, their family members and caregivers accessed DSD-funded NPO specialised support services.
MEC for Social Development Sharna Fernandez says that the needs of persons with disabilities must be taken into account at every stage of planning and implementation of projects and programmes by government, the private sector, and civil society. Accessibility to services, developmental and employment opportunities are key to the wellbeing and dignity of persons with disabilities.
“We must make room for the inclusion of the contributions of persons with disabilities not only for disability-related matters but also in our day-to-day activities" said the MEC.
"During the annual Disability Rights Awareness Month, the Department of Social Development staff generally conducts several community outreaches. This includes door-to-door campaigns where residents are informed about available services offered by the department and how to access them. Offices also partner with NGOs as well as other government departments and municipalities at their events where information about inclusivity, accessibility and disability mainstreaming is presented," the department said.