Disabled People In South Africa Essay
1.2 Background to Study
People with disabilities in South Africa have suffered a long history of discrimination, stigma and unfair treatment, especially when the history of apartheid is considered. The past 20 years in South Africa though have arguably been the most significant with regards to the struggle for the rights of disabled people and the struggle for democracy (Howell et. al, 2006). Under the apartheid regime, disabled people experienced a deep division and a profound inequality in society. Even though the historical lived experiences between black and white disabled people under apartheid may have been different, all disabled people experienced marginalisation and discrimination as well as limited or no access to employment, education, health care and other human rights that they should have had access to (Howell et. al, 2006). People of the community viewed disabled people as a burden that needed to be taken care of instead of equal and contributing members of society who were able to learn, work and earn a living.
In 1984 disabled activists started an organisation called the Disabled People of South Africa (DPSA). These activists were tired of the
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People were marching for their rights, conversations were being had and the rights of disabled people were being made aware of to the public. Eventually in 1992 the Disability Rights Charter was adopted as the outcome of a human rights advocacy campaign (Howell et.al, 2006). This highlighted the minimum demands of disabled people in South Africa, to live in a society free from all forms of discrimination, exploitation and abuse. The Charter embodied the human rights and needs of disabled people. This includes their rights as citizens of South Africa and their developmental needs such as health services, education, work and housing (Howell et. al,
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