National Disability Rights Awareness Month is held annually from 3 November to 3 December, culminating in the annual celebration of International Day of People with Disabilities.
To mark the awareness month, the fourth Walk with Disability event will again be held throughout the streets of Stellenbosch on Saturday 19 November.
The event, which is focused on promoting disability awareness and integration, calls on local and provincial government to increase their efforts in ensuring equitable access to services and opportunities for people of all abilities, especially with regard to public transport. It is hosted by the Stellenbosch Disability Network (SDN) in collaboration with Stellenbosch Municipality as well as local sponsor Stelkor Pharmacies.
Walk with Disability is an event for people with disabilities, the general public and key role-players to join hands (and feet) to both celebrate the advances made towards a more inclusive society and more accessible urban environments, but also to highlight the continued struggle against disability exclusion and discrimination.
“The SDN wants to facilitate and continue the process of raising awareness on the rights and potential of persons with disabilities, with the ultimate aim of achieving greater accessibility and mobility for all,” explained Dr Cindy Wiggett-Barnard, SDN chairperson and CEO of ChangeAbility.
“It is only through greater understanding and support within our own communities that we can truly become disability aware.”
After the walk, a memorandum addressed to Stellenbosch mayor, Advocate Gesie van Deventer, will be read and handed over, to not only thank Stellenbosch Municipality for their continued efforts towards better accessibility and engagement, but also encourage even greater promotion of disability inclusion and accessibility in all public spheres.
The SDN and its partners invites all to participate in the inclusive Walk with Disability, which starts and finishes at the Stellenbosch Town Hall. Registration is at 08:00 and the 1,5 km fun walk sets off at 09:00. The memorandum will be handed over at 10:15. Entry to the fun walk is free and all are welcome.
