Knowing and exercising your rights as a person with a disability is essential to achieving a better quality of life
Recently, through our work in the North West and Free State provinces, we met many individuals who are actively pursuing opportunities for a better future despite numerous challenges. These experiences highlighted the critical role that rights play in protecting wellbeing, fostering independence, and ensuring full participation in society.
Accessible healthcare
We often met individuals who struggled with access to healthcare due to physical barriers, a lack of disability awareness among healthcare staff, or limited resources. Such obstacles can discourage people from seeking essential care. Knowing your rights empowers you to advocate for the accommodations you need.
The National Health Act mandates that all healthcare providers treat patients with fairness, respect and without discrimination, which includes providing accessible facilities, assistive devices and trained professionals.
Non-discrimination
Through our outreach work, we encountered individuals who faced unjust treatment, especially in accessing services or finding employment. Access to education and employment is crucial for independence, financial stability and personal growth.
Employers, service providers, and educational institutions are required by law to provide reasonable accommodations, whether that means adjusting a workspace, making facilities accessible, or offering materials in alternative formats.
Accessing public spaces
You don’t have to travel far from home to experience instances where public spaces are not fully accessible, limiting individuals’ freedom to participate in everyday activities. This despite the laws requiring accessible spaces and transport.
Advocacy and representation
Knowing your rights and speaking up can encourage change that improves your life and the lives of others. When more individuals exercise their rights, authorities are more likely to take accessibility seriously.
When you connect with advocacy groups, you gain a network of support and a voice to amplify your concerns. These groups push for policy changes that improve accessibility, provide resources, and expand opportunities for people with disabilities.
QASA is dedicated to supporting you in understanding and asserting your rights, providing resources, and offering a platform for addressing critical issues. By sharing experiences, supporting each other, and advocating for change, you contribute to a more inclusive society for everyone.
Empower yourself and others
Reflecting on my experiences, it’s clear that knowing and exercising your rights can significantly improve your quality of life. Being aware of your rights empowers you to seek support, demand accountability, and drive change. Each time you assert your rights, you improve your own situation but also help shape a more inclusive society.
QASA supports you in every aspect of this journey, providing guidance, resources, and a community of allies. Together, by exercising our rights and standing up for a fairer, more accessible world, we can build a better future for all.
