Our commitment towards a society for all, will become a reality – From Policy to Practice
Foreword
The national Department of Public Works’ Disability Policy Guideline demonstrates the Department’s commitment to persons with disabilities in the execution and realisation of its mandate.
The Disability Policy Guideline does not only focus on the Department’s commitment to improve public buildings to be more user friendly, but also strives to economically empower persons with disabilities.
In this regard, the Department commits itself to increase the number of persons with disabilities benefiting from its programmes and also contributing to the mainstream economy of South Africa.
The Disability Indaba held in Cape Town on 15-16 October 2009 under the theme “Nothing about us without us” set in motion the development of this Policy Guideline which intends to entrench the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
With South Africa being a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its optional Protocol, the establishment of the Ministry of Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities and the effective implementation of the Integrated National Disability Strategy, is a sincere demonstration that as a country, South Africa is indeed committed to improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities. This Policy Guideline is the Department’s contribution towards realising a society where people will benefit.
Minister Gwen L Mahlangu-Nkabinde
To read the full white paper visit: Disability Policy Guideline