By Lekhotla Mokoena
Among many challenges faced by people with disabilities is being overlooked. Despite their talents, gifts, skills and abilities, most of them remain unrecognised. When opportunities arise, they are either forgotten or last in line.
And if it happens, they get opportunity, the danger may be that it’s just for the sake of it, so says Kate Malope, disability advocate. These opportunities of inclusion, whenever they arise, must be justified and consideration should be given to their capabilities, dreams and goals.
According to Malope, this group of people are vulnerable and more especially children, so their integration into society should be in safe spaces.
When talking about the inclusion of People with Disability, it means including them in everything starting from families’ dynamics “as they are usually excluded from crucial family issues and decisions often taken on their behalf,” said Malope
Whether young or old, People with Disability must be included and be engaged in family matters, family dynamics, family trips and discussions and many other family-related issues. In society, as children they must be given an opportunity and be allowed to associate with other children, and not be kept in bedrooms. They should join and participate in community activities such as centres, organizations and projects, and live their lives to the fullest.
According to Malope who also has a disability and has been on a wheelchair for over 14 years, by doing so, an opportunity to be human and live life, not to merely exist is afforded to them.
Some of the disability categories include Psycho-Social Disability, Physical Disability, Paraplegic, Autism, Albinism, blind, mute, etc.
As there are many challenges and difficulties experienced by families and societies regarding People with Disability usually the first point of assistance will be Local Health facilities, Social Services and organizations that deal with such matters. Other challenges will include severity of disability, lack of a caregiver, orphan or living with elderly, finding special schools, homes and shelters etc.
* Kate Malope is part of the Quote This Woman+ Voices Fellowship, an Advocate in Disability and also a leader of Bring Change In Me (BCIM) a non profit organization established by Women with paralysis. The organization among other fights for rights and Inclusion of women and young girls with disabilities, while remaining inclusive in all genders.
