Particip.AGE Project’s Post

Sometimes our actions of patriotism are morally and ethically justified in light of the goal and intent of the activity. Within the compliance function, there are frequently instances in which the costs of complying with a particular Act of legislation outweigh the repercussions of not complying, but if you consider taking the spirit of the Act into consideration, you are motivated to comply. The recent ruling by the Hon'ble SC on portrayal of disability in films is worth considering while hearing a plea to ban the film Aaankh Micholi for derogatory portrayal of people with disabilities. Significantly Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD) which came into force April 19, 2017, that replaced the Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 now applicable to Private Organization subject to meeting certain thresholds. RPwD is quite subdued and rarely seen it is getting implemented with due respect to all those who have implemented. It calls from framing a employment policy, identified jobs for persons with disabilities, no discrimination policy and more importantly necessary infrastructure investment to establish a perfect eco-system to work for persons with disabilities. If commercial principles are applied then the compliance of RPwD looks very challenging unless a different thought process to create a better world for everyone including persons with disabilities is imminent. This is an evolution of the social model (human rights) which says that people with disability are a part of the society and have the same rights as everyone else. It makes government and private parties obliged to facilitate full and effective participation with persons with disabilities in society. #DisabilityRights #Compliance #Inclusion #RPwDAct #EthicalCompliance

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) is a comprehensive international treaty that aims to promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly on 13 December 2006 and entered into force on 3 September 2008. Key provisions of the CRPD include: * Equality and non-discrimination: The Convention affirms the right of all persons with disabilities to equality before the law and prohibits all forms of discrimination on the basis of disability. * Respect for dignity and autonomy: It emphasises the need to respect the inherent dignity and autonomy of persons with disabilities and to promote their full participation and inclusion in society. * Access to justice: The Convention guarantees the right of persons with disabilities to access justice on an equal basis with others. * Education: It recognises the right of persons with disabilities to education on an equal basis with others and to appropriate support services. * Health: It affirms the right of persons with disabilities to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health, including sexual and reproductive health. * Work and employment: The Convention promotes the right of persons with disabilities to work on an equal basis with others and to enjoy full employment opportunities. * Social protection: It recognises the right of persons with disabilities to social protection measures, including social security and social services. * Accessibility: The Convention requires States Parties to take appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to the physical environment, transportation, communication, and information technologies. * Participation in political and public life: It promotes the right of persons with disabilities to participate in political and public life on an equal basis with others. The CRPD represents a significant step forward in recognising and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities worldwide. It has been ratified by almost all countries, and its implementation is monitored by the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a body of independent experts.

Building a Future That Includes Everyone! Have you ever been judged not for your abilities but for something you can't control? Imagine being excluded simply because of your appearance or a condition you were born with. For many people with disabilities, this is their everyday reality. Throughout history, people with disabilities have been marginalized. From being treated as "freaks" to being hidden away, they've often been denied basic humanity. Even today, many still struggle with limited support and inadequate resources to meet their daily needs. Through my research, I found that many people with disabilities aren’t hired, not because they lack skills, but simply because of their condition. Their talents are ignored, denying them the dignity they deserve. This is not just a local issue; it's happening globally. People with disabilities don’t need pity, they need real opportunities to be included, to work, and to live independently. We must act now to create a world where their strengths are recognized, and celebrated, and where no one is left behind #Human_Rights #Disability_Inclusion #BreakTheStigma #DiversityAndInclusion #AccessibilityForAll #Ability_Not_Disability

A recent study on prejudice showing how persons with disabilities are not (always) viewed in a monolithic manner: „The results underscore the need for a more comprehensive understanding of how ableist beliefs manifest in the daily lives of people with disabilities. Most previous research investigating ableism has limited itself to general attitudes, often towards a single disability. Our findings reveal that the detecting ableism depends on several factors, including disability type, gender, the social context and whether the judgement concerns the disabled person or how they are treated by others. There are likely to be other factors not included here. This study represents an initial step in understanding this broader conceptualization of ableism. Future research using contextually rich materials covering various disability-related issues is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of and combatting ableism.”

As July comes to a close, I feel inclined to acknowledge 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 and 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘆. July 26th marked the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law in 1990. This landmark legislation has been a cornerstone in the fight for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities. The ADA prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places open to the general public. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲. We still have such a long way to go. 📢 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱: 💡 Educate yourself and others about the ADA and its impact. 💡 Support businesses and organizations that prioritize accessibility. 💡 Advocate for policies and practices that promote inclusion. 💡 Listen to and amplify the voices of people with disabilities. 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗹𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱. As the parent of a disabled son, I am constantly reminded how important it is to continue to advocate for and amplify the voices of the disabled community. As my son recently gifted his wheels down to another kiddo to help them get on their feet, and Colt's disability becomes less visible to others who are blessed enough to know him, it is a constant reminder to our family, that disabilities are not always visible. It is a constant reminder that just because we cannot visually see someone's struggles, does not mean they do not exist. It is a reminder to listen, and a reminder to accommodate. 𝗜𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗮 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆, in the workplace, and in life. 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 #DisabilityIndependenceDay #ADA #Inclusion #Accessibility #Diversity #EqualOpportunity

Creating an Inclusive Environment for Individuals with Disabilities: A Rights-Based Approach South Africa has made significant strides in promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities. This article explores the legal and policy framework that mandates a rights-based and anti-discrimination approach, focusing on inclusive strategies for individuals with hearing impairments. Legal and Policy Framework: 1. White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (WPRPD), 2015 2. UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) 3. Bill of Rights/SA Constitution 4. Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA) 4 of 2000 5. The Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 6. The Schools Act 84 of 1996 7. The Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 8. Education White Paper 6 on Inclusive Education, 2001 9. The Department of Basic Education’s Policy on Screening, Identification, Assessment and Support (SIAS) 10. Mental Health Care Act 17 of 2002 11. Policy on the Provision of Reasonable Accommodation and Assistive Devices in the Public Service 12. The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 13. The Policy on Early Childhood Development Inclusive Strategies: 1. Effective Communication: Face-to-face interaction, clear speech, visual cues, assistive devices, and written information. 2. Inclusive Environments: Visual alerts, hearing induction loop systems, staff training. 3. Support in Education and Employment: Reasonable accommodations, self-advocacy, peer support, flexible arrangements. 4. Awareness and Advocacy: advocacy for accessible communication. Conclusion: By understanding and implementing these legal and policy instruments, we can create a more inclusive society for individuals with disabilities, promoting equal opportunities and human rights. Fanie du Toit Fanie Dreams #faniedreams www.faniedreams.co.za

Hello everyone, Today, I want to bring attention to an issue that often goes unnoticed: hidden disabilities. These are disabilities that are not immediately apparent or visible to others. They may include mental illness, chronic diseases, learning difficulties, and neurological disorders, among others. Hidden disabilities can be just as challenging as physical disabilities, but they often carry an additional burden: the stigma of invisibility. Without physical evidence of their condition, individuals with hidden disabilities often face misunderstanding, prejudice, and discrimination. They may be accused of faking or exaggerating their condition, or they may be expected to perform at the same level as their non-disabled peers. As we strive to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces, it's crucial that we recognize and respect hidden disabilities. This starts with education and awareness. We need to challenge our perceptions and assumptions about disability, and understand that not all disabilities are visible. It's also important to create an environment where people feel comfortable disclosing their disability. This means fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, where people aren't afraid to ask for the accommodations they need. Let's remember that everyone has their own unique challenges and strengths. By acknowledging and accommodating hidden disabilities, we can help ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 🎗️ #HiddenDisabilities #Inclusion #Diversity #Awareness #Empathy #ADA

🌍 Empowering People with Disabilities: Insights from UNITAR CIFAL Jeju Workshop Today, I had the privilege of attending the online workshop on "Empowering People with Disabilities" hosted by UNITAR CIFAL Jeju. The first session, led by Prof. Jong Bae Kim from Yonsei University, provided valuable insights into global advocacy, assistive technologies, and the critical importance of inclusion for individuals with disabilities. Key takeaways: Assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, adaptive transportation, and personal mobility solutions are pivotal for enabling independence. The role of social capital and community engagement in reducing isolation and empowering individuals with disabilities. The importance of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in promoting international cooperation and technological innovation to support personal mobility. I'm inspired by the global efforts being made to ensure that assistive technologies are affordable, accessible, and inclusive for all. Looking forward to further sessions and deepening my understanding of how we can contribute to making the world more inclusive for people with disabilities. #DisabilityInclusion #AssistiveTechnology #GlobalAdvocacy #CRPD #UNITAR #Empowerment #SocialInclusion #APSWDP United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Association of Professional Social Workers & Development Practitioners (APSWDP) Dr. Vivek Trivedi abhander chaudhary

As discussions on the Pact for the Future begin, it's evident that the inclusion of persons with disabilities is dwindling. With 1.3 billion people worldwide facing systemic exclusion, it's crucial for us to work with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations and advocate for their rights. "Unless the systemic exclusion of persons with disabilities is explicitly acknowledged and addressed, the inherent ubiquitous biases in our development and humanitarian systems will not only exclude persons with disabilities but create additional barriers." Read Elizabeth Lockwood's blog (on behalf of the Stakeholder Group of Persons with Disabilities for Sustainable Development) for recommendations on ensuring their meaningful representation and access to resources in all decision-making processes: https://lnkd.in/gYNiFfmn

ACP highlights the importance of the ADA and the 34th anniversary since its signing into law. Learn more about this significant endeavor and how ACP can help you achieve ADA compliance.