Since 1992 the United Nations has annually promoted observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which is observed worldwide on 3 December.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the World Health Organisation people with disabilities make up 16% of the global population. This day is observed to promote better understanding of disability issues and to support the well-being and dignity of persons with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The theme for 2024 IDPD is \u201cAmplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Denzil Jacobs, who prefers to refer to himself as \u201cdifferently-abled\u201d, is Theewaterskloof Municipality\u2019s first, and only, disabled councillor, representing Ward 11. At a full council meeting on 28 November he addressed councillors, officials and members of the public who attended the meeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jacobs said this day provided an opportunity for governments, organisations and communities to come together to raise awareness, promote inclusion and take action to improve the lives of people with disabilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday I speak on behalf of all the differently-abled people of Theewaterskloof. I know that the municipality has financial problems, but what we need is sidewalks, job creation for people with disabilities and to include differently-abled people when making decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the municipality we have \u00b1 600 permanent staff, besides the people who are on contract, and from this total we only have one person with a disability working in the municipality. We are not even near 2%.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He set out four points for what the municipality could do for the greater representivity of people with disabilities: develop and adopt institutional\/organisational policies related to people with disabilities, review spatial planning projects and ensure there is universal access in all municipal facilities and offices, provide sensitisation customer care training to all organisational staff members and communication methods to the public should be all-inclusive, including the hearing and visually impairment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBeing disabled means a slightly different path, but it doesn\u2019t hinder our potential. Though I need assistance due to my disability, I strive to live life to the fullest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDisabilities come in all shapes and forms, and it is essential that attention is given to each one of them. Just because something is not visible, does not mean that it\u2019s not important or impactful. Disability is natural, and it doesn\u2019t prevent a person from achieving anything. Believe in your abilities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jacobs concluded with: \u201cNothing about us without us.\u201d <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Since 1992 the United Nations has annually promoted observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), which is observed worldwide on 3 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