Various stakeholders advocating for the rights of people with disabilities held an awareness event for residents of Heidedal at the Norman Doubell Hall on 23 February.
These stakeholders include the Society for the Blind in the Free State, Disabled People of South Africa, and the Office on the Status of Disabled Persons (OSDP) in the Free State premier’s office, as well as the Miss Lesh Foundation.
The event was held as part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness for people with disabilities, to foster inclusivity, and see to their empowerment.
Venesa Leeuw, founder of the Miss Lesh Foundation, said the foundation’s participation had been prompted by the demand for the raising of awareness and addressing the lack of information among people caring for persons born with disabilities by helping them access support from both government and non-government organisations.
According to Leeuw, this event undertaken in Heidedal revealed that several people still struggled to get information as to where to get help for their loved ones born with disabilities.
“The objective aims at empowering such families and individuals by providing information and support systems to enhance their quality of life. Essential tools include education, employment opportunities, healthcare services, and programmes to participate in,” said Leeuw.
She said they also network with public-private partners to positively transform the lives of people with disabilities.
According to Leeuw, challenges faced by people with disabilities range from needing mobility through means of wheelchairs and walking devices, and she adds that people with disabilities have limited access to information due to the nature of their respective issues.
