South Africa joins the global community to commemorate Disability Rights Awareness Month (DRAM) from 3 November to 3 December. Disability is an evolving concept and is the consequence of an impairment that may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental, or some combination of these.
There are many misconceptions surrounding disabilities. For example, some assume that all disabilities are visible, but that couldn’t be more incorrect. When someone has a disability, it means that a person has a mental or physical impairment that can restrict the ability to participate in everyday activities. Never make assumptions based on those internalized stereotypes or misconceptions.
It is not uncommon for those with disabilities to experience discrimination in some way throughout their lives. Believe it or not, but discrimination can present itself within education, health care facilities, employment and even the justice system.
It is hard for people to understand how important raising awareness is until they realize how many people there are with disabilities. Around 49 million Americans and one billion people in the world have a disability in some regard.
Through disability awareness, the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding those with disabilities can be brought to the forefront. When these are gone, attitudes and behaviors become more positive and impactful.
Awareness creates empathy; so, when you try to understand one another, it will stop that stereotyping mindset and create an inclusive and safe environment. By self-educating, you can find ways to create change and spread the word to others.
It is not uncommon for those with disabilities to experience discrimination in some way throughout their lives. Believe it or not, but discrimination can present itself within education, health care facilities, employment and even the justice system.
It is hard for people to understand how important raising awareness is until they realize how many people there are with disabilities. Around 49 million Americans and one billion people in the world have a disability in some regard.
Through disability awareness, the misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding those with disabilities can be brought to the forefront. When these are gone, attitudes and behaviors become more positive and impactful.
Awareness creates empathy; so, when you try to understand one another, it will stop that stereotyping mindset and create an inclusive and safe environment. By self-educating, you can find ways to create change and spread the word to others.
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