On 5 June 2026, the South African Disability Alliance (SADA) awarded Ari Seirlis the SADA Lifetime Achievement Award for his 30 years of activism, advocacy, lobbying and service to the disability sector.
Ari suffered a spinal cord injury during a diving accident when he was 23. He spent a few years starting businesses before transitioning into the non-profit sector to work for the QuadPara Association of South Africa (QASA).
His career with QASA spans over 20 years. He is the former CEO and currently serves as a board member. Ari is a founding member of the Quadriplegic and Paraplegic Charitable Trust, and serves on the Presidential Working Group on Disability.
He has spearheaded protests, awareness campaigns and partnerships that have greatly advanced disability rights and the inclusion for people with disabilities. He has met with presidents, celebrities and activists alike to build a better future for all. He continues his work till this day.
Congratulations to Ari for a well-deserved award, and a big thank you for all that you’ve done for people with disabilities.
Watch his full acceptance speech below:
